In the Community
July 8, 2011
Kaiser Permanente a Partner at National Assembly on School-Based Health Care 2011 Convention
Oral health is one of the most pressing, unmet health needs of children and adolescents. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, oral disease affects children in the United States more than any other chronic infectious disease. Untreated conditions, such as tooth decay, cause pain and infections that may lead to eating, speaking, and learning disadvantages. Over the last 25 years, oral disease has become increasingly prevalent among poor and minority children.
To address the oral-disease epidemic among children, Kaiser Permanente has established a critical partnership with the National Assembly on School-Based Health Care. Through the partnership, young people across the country will gain access to the dental care they need to stay healthy. This was made possible through a $600,000 grant that Kaiser Permanente made to the Assembly. As a result of this grant, school-based health care providers will be trained to evaluate oral disease and support dental screenings, prevention and referrals for children with oral-health needs.
The Assembly’s 16th annual convention took place last week in Chicago. The convention is the premier advocacy, networking and continuing education forum for school-based health professionals and others involved in the intersection between health and education. Over 800 people attended and were inspired around the 2011 theme, “School-Based Health Care and the Community.” Kaiser Permanente physicians and staff participated in plenary sessions and offered training.
Winston Wong, MD, medical director for Kaiser Permanente’s National Community Benefit Program, attended the convention and was very encouraged. “School-based health clinics are a vital part of the country’s health care safety net, providing access to primary care and mental health care services for nearly 2 million children,” he said. “The 1,900 SBHCs across the country play a vital role in investing in a healthy future for our nation’s children. With more children affected by poverty and having little to no access to dental care, this partnership is an important part of Kaiser Permanente’s commitment to healthy communities.”
Podcasts
Grantees, thought-leaders and Kaiser Permanente Community Benefit leaders discuss school-based health care.
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