WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) today announced that $251,772 has been awarded to the Community Action Organization of Scioto County, Incorporated to expand dental services for lower-income families in Portsmouth. The funds, awarded by the Appalachian Regional Commission, will help to improve the quality and accessibility of health services in Scioto County.
“Poor dental health can increase the risk of long-term health conditions. Children and working families in Portsmouth struggling to make ends meet can now rely on additional resources needed to remain healthy,” Brown said. “With the support of the Appalachian Regional Commission, low-income families in Scioto County will now have easier access to affordable, high quality dental care.”
Improved access to oral health care is needed throughout Ohio, and especially in Appalachia. In Scioto County, only 4 in 19 private dentists accept Medicaid patients, making it difficult for lower-income families to find affordable dental services. ARC assistance will provide a way to hire more staff and meet the needs of the growing demands for dental services. The grantee is now able to hire a full-time dentist and dental assistant, in addition to contracting a part-time pediatric dentist. These new employees will allow the Scioto County Center for Dental Wellness to serve 1,200 more patients each year.
Brown has long been concerned with access to dental services. In 2008, he authored legislation aimed at improving children’s dental health and expanding dental services to low-income patients.
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