November 7, 2007

For more information contact:
Carrie Neff Andrews, M.S., C.H.E.S
Director of Health Education and Promotion
Public Information Officer
309-344-2224

Galesburg, IL –The Knox County Health Department has been notified that it will receive a $300,000 grant award to expand the availability of services within its Dental Clinic.  This grant award is part of an effort by the Illinois Children’s Healthcare Foundation to achieve its goal of improving the overall health of children by investing in their oral health. The recently announced awards mark the first round of funding to support the Foundation’s five-year, $20 million initiative.

The grant, awarded to the Knox County Health Department, is earmarked to fund the expansion of its Dental Clinic to include three new dental operatories, an updated sterilization station, and modification of administrative and waiting room facilities to accommodate expanded client capacity.  The current Dental Clinic facility has been operating at capacity since re-opening in November 2006; the Health Department anticipates that the expansion project will be completed late summer 2008. 

The Health Department Dental Clinic is the only dental facility in Knox County to accept Medicaid as payment for services; however, December 2006 data indicates that over 41%, or 5,295 Knox County children receive Medicaid benefits; an increase of 48.7% from 2000.  “By expanding the availability of services within the Dental Clinic we are slowly chipping away at access to dental health care concerns prevalent throughout the County,” Michele Fishburn, Public Health Programs Coordinator for the Knox County Health Department reported. “Last year, the Knox County Community Health Improvement Plan identified poor dental and oral health as one of six priority health concerns which must be addressed in order for the overall health of the community to improve.”  “Providing access to dental health care services, specifically preventative dental care, is one of the most important steps we can take right now to improve the oral health of the County.”

“It is vital to remember that dental health plays a pivotal role in the overall health and well-being of children, and that importance carries over into adulthood,” stated Ms. Fishburn.  “However, according to 2005 Oral Health Needs Assessment data, only 18% of Knox County children under age 19, who are at or below 200% of poverty level, receive dental services.”  “These Foundation grant dollars are appreciated, and they represent real dollars at work to help Knox County children, especially those who are underserved.”

For more information regarding the Health Department Dental Clinic, please contact the Knox County Health Department at (309) 344-2224.