Four Chicago clinics among recipients of more than $1 million to integrate children's medical and dental services
Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation, in collaboration with The Illinois Children's Healthcare Foundation (ILCHF), will provide a total of $1.1 million to 12 health clinics in Illinois to support the integration of both medical and dental care for children. This funding will increase access to integrated health services for children in a clinical setting. Integration of oral health into primary care is recognized as key to expanding access to quality oral health care for these children.
Oral health is critical to overall health. Research continues to show evidence of the connection between periodontal (gum) disease and medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and pregnancy complications that can impact a child's early oral health. Dental and medical professionals understand the importance of working together to manage the care of their mutual patients and help their patients achieve better overall health.
"The Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation is dedicated to improving the overall health and well-being of Illinois residents, especially children," said Lora Vitek, executive director of the Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation. "Through our programs and grant funding opportunities, we aim to increase access to quality health care and reduce dental disease. Integrating dental care into a child's primary care at an early age can help establish the foundation for a lifetime of good oral and overall health."
"Far too many children in Illinois don't receive the dental care they need," said Heather Alderman, president of the Illinois Children's Healthcare Foundation. "Untreated tooth decay can affect children's diet, sleep and ability to learn. This situation is unconscionable when you consider how treatable and preventable these diseases are."
The 12 Illinois health clinics receiving grants include:
• Advocate Charitable Foundation, Downers Grove
• Aunt Martha's Youth Service Center, Midlothian
• Community Health Improvement Center, Decatur
• Pillars Community Health (Community Nurse Health Association), La Grange
• Erie Family Health Foundation Inc., Chicago
• Heartland International Health Center, Chicago
• Howard Brown Health Center, Chicago
• Lawndale Christian Health Center, Chicago
• Macoupin County Public Health Department, Gillespie
• Promise Healthcare, Champaign
• Shawnee Health Service and Development Corporation, Carbondale
• SIHF Healthcare, Sauget
The Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation was formed in March 2008 by Delta Dental of Illinois, a not-for-profit dental service corporation with a mission to improve overall health and well-being. Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation is the 501(c)(3) charitable arm of Delta Dental of Illinois. In the past decade, combined efforts of Delta Dental of Illinois and Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation have provided more than $8 million to programs and organizations in Illinois that improve the oral health of the state's residents. For additional information about Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation, please see www.deltadentalil.com
Illinois Children's Healthcare Foundation (ILCHF) is the only statewide private foundation solely focused on improving the health of all children in the State of Illinois. ILCHF was created in December 2002 through an action of then Attorney General Jim Ryan and an Illinois insurance carrier. This action and a settlement of approximately $125 million established the Foundation. From 2004 to 2019, Illinois Children's Healthcare Foundation has provided more than $97 million in grants which have been invested in programs aimed at improving overall children's health in Illinois, with a focus in oral health and mental health. For additional information about ILCHF, please see www.ilchf.org.