We have a GREAT volunteer opportunity for pharmacists, technicians and administrative staff to be a part of the 2016 Alaska Mission of Mercy!
Over 14 years ago in Virginia, an association of dentists, staff and other volunteers organized and carried out what was to become known as a Mission of Mercy, or MOM. Their goal was to provide free dental care to local residents who could not otherwise afford or receive care. Since that time, there have been over 70 MOM events in 27 states using the large mobile dental clinic model. While this model had been utilized many times in under developed countries, it had not been tried here at home. Perhaps the idea was assumed to be unnecessary in a developed country like the United States. But, after more than $120 million in free care delivered to over 196,000 patients, that assumption has been proven wrong. There is tremendous need right here at home in this country, and that includes Alaska.
An important element of the AKMOM is patient education. Education is the most cost-effective way to reduce oral disease. A program to help patients understand the importance of good daily oral hygiene practices, healthy diet and routine preventive dental care is an essential part of the Alaska Mission of Mercy. Patients learn about the negative effects of soda, sugary beverages, tobacco products, the link between dental health and overall health, oral cancer and more.
In just two events in two years, we have provided $2 million worth of free dental care to 2,475 underserved Alaskans! A total of 1,848 volunteers have given their time over the course of these 2-day events. Our third event will be held at the Dena’ina Center in Anchorage, April 29 – 30, 2016. We need your support to continue our success!
The goals of the 2016 Alaska Mission of Mercy include:
- Provide free access to dental care while placing a high priority on patients suffering from dental infections or pain.
- Raise public awareness of the increasing difficulty low-income adults and children face in accessing critical dental care.
- Encourage low-income patients, policymakers and dental professionals to work together to reduce the disease burden and improve the oral health of Alaskan residents.
This is where YOU come in! We need volunteers to make it happen so please REGISTER and donate and become a tooth fairy!
Please contact Honeylit Cueco at hkcueco@anthc.org if you are interested in volunteering! We look forward to seeing you in April! 🙂
CONTACT LEADS –>CLICK HERE