The Connecticut Oral Health Initiative (COHI) has secured $125,000 in new grant funding to expand access to dental care for older adults and veterans in Connecticut. The funding will support statewide initiatives focused on health equity, preventive services, and public education.
A $100,000 general operating grant from the Point32Health Foundation will fund COHI’s efforts to break barriers to oral health access for older adults across Connecticut over the next two years. The grant will support program expansion, caregiver education, and policy advocacy to integrate dental and medical care in senior settings.
“Dental decay is not an equal opportunity disease. In fact, it is one of the most common chronic diseases in the United States with a disproportionate impact on marginalized communities,” said Dr. Brianna Muñoz, COHI Board President. “Through this grant, COHI will have the opportunity to address oral health care disparities faced by older adults and to advocate on behalf of increased equity, improved quality, and expanded access to oral health care in Connecticut. By fostering a meaningful partnership with Point32Health Foundation, COHI can continue striving towards achieving oral health for all.”
“Point32Health is committed to making the communities where we live and work great places to grow up and grow old,” said Kristin Lewis, president of Point32Health Foundation and Executive Vice President of Point32Health. “These grants will advance community-led solutions and create environments where we can all thrive as we age.”
COHI also received a $25,000 SMILE Grant from Delta Dental Foundation to launch its Salute to Smiles program, offering free dental services to veterans in Greater Hartford. Over 150,000 veterans live in Connecticut, with more than 36,000 in the Hartford region. The new initiative will address urgent needs and establish long-term care access through community colleges and dental schools.
"So many Veterans in our state face barriers to affordable dental care once they leave active duty,” said Gary Turco, COHI Executive Director. “With Salute to Smiles, we’re working to close those gaps by ensuring Veterans have access to the services and resources they need and deserve to maintain their oral health and overall wellness. We are incredibly grateful to Delta Dental Foundation for supporting this initiative and making the launch of this program possible.”
"We are honored to support this important initiative that provides essential dental care to Connecticut’s veterans. Their service and sacrifice deserve not only our gratitude but also access to the healthcare they need,” said Paul Di Maio, President & CEO, Delta Dental of Connecticut, Inc. and Vice President, Delta Dental Foundation. “Through this grant, we hope to help improve the health and quality of life for those who have given so much for our country."
More information about the the Salute to Smiles program is available at www.ctoralhealth.org/salute