Oral health diseases such as cavities and gum disease are largely preventable. However, factors such as chronic medical conditions, access to care, cultural norms and attitudes, and socioeconomic status can influence these outcomes and create additional barriers to care. Addressing these barriers is essential to ensuring that community members have the necessary access to maintain and improve their oral health. L.A. Care Health Plan announced a new $1.22 million commitment to its Oral Health Initiative to support 10 organizations that are addressing the barriers to oral health care in low-income communities.
“Oral health is critical to overall health. Poor oral health in children can have a devastating impact on quality of life and their performance in school, which ultimately can impact their success as an adult,” said John Baackes, L.A. Care CEO. “In adults, poor oral health can lead to complications for those with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or even those who are pregnant, so it is extremely important that we take steps to improve oral health.”
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports tooth decay in children aged 2 to 5 from low-income households is about three times higher than that of children from higher income households. And 33% of Latino children and 28% Black children aged 2 to 5 have had cavities in their primary teeth, compared with just 18% of non-Hispanic White children.
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The L.A. Care funding will help the 10 awardees implement strategies that address the barriers contributing to oral health disparities. To improve oral health outcomes, projects will include providing outreach and oral health screenings at local schools and community events, increasing engagement and services for hypertensive persons experiencing homelessness, and implementing Social Determinants of Health screenings to connect patients to necessary community and social resources.
Herald Christian Health Center, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) with facilities across the San Gabriel Valley, is one of the awardees in this 15th round of Oral Health Initiative grants.
“L.A. Care’s grant will greatly enhance our efforts to support the community, helping us guide patients through the health system and promote both medical and dental preventative care,” said Carolin Eng, CEO of Herald Christian Health Center. “Our comprehensive approach is designed to reduce health disparities and ensure that underserved communities receive the essential care they need, ultimately fostering better health outcomes for all.”
Via Care Community Health Center, an FQHC with a network of clinics throughout Los Angeles County, is another of the awardees.
“Via Care is thrilled to be an L.A. Care Oral Health Initiative (OHI XV) grantee. This important grant will increase access to pediatric dental services, which are extremely hard to find in the East L.A. area,” said Deborah Villar, CEO of Via Care Community Health Center. “This grant project will strengthen our dental program by enabling us to offer comprehensive dental care for all members of the family at low or no-cost.”
The 10 awardees in this 15th round of the Oral Health Initiative grants are Garfield Health Center, Gracelight Community Health, Herald Christian Health Center, JWCH Institute Inc., Northeast Valley Health Corporation, Eisner Health, T.H.E. Health and Wellness Centers, Via Care Community Health Center, Watts Healthcare Corporation, and White Memorial Community Health Center.
Since 2003, L.A. Care, through its Oral Health Initiative, has awarded more than more than $19 million for 195 projects that provide oral health infrastructure, education, prevention, and treatment services to low-income communities.
