Page 2 - Boca Exposure - August '23

Page 2, Boca Exposure

Wounded Veterans Relief Fund from page 1 A list of basic qualification criteria is listed at wvrf.org.
Veterans who qualify for assistance and are interested in
health and mental issues, placing more burdens on our dental care should contact their VA social worker or County
military members who already face challenges when Veteran Service Officer to submit a dental referral to WVRF.
transitioning back to civilian life. “We hope that by providing dental care to veterans, we can
The connection between poor dental hygiene and mental help improve their overall health and well-being, and provide
health issues is evident. According to the American Academy a clear path for employment and a better life,” Durkee said.
of Family Physicians, 60 percent of veterans with mental “We are grateful for the support of our partners, as well as
health conditions have fair to poor oral health, with 33 percent the state legislature, in making this initiative possible.”
finding it difficult to eat due to dental issues. Poor oral health Visit wvrf.org, call (561) 855-4207, or email info@wvrf.
affects veterans’ overall health, including their mental health. org for more information about WVRF and its veteran dental
According to the VA, up to 50 percent of veterans returning care initiatives.
from Afghanistan and Iraq have been diagnosed with a mental About The Wounded Veterans Relief Fund
health disorder associated with substance use disorders (SUDS), Before After The Wounded Veterans Relief Fund (WVRF) is a veteran-
and 63 percent with SUDS also met the criteria for post- led nonprofit organization that provides urgent financial
traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). With the increasing number of WVRF has already funded $332,419.74 in veteran assistance, critical dental care, and access to professional
veterans suffering from mental health disorders, the VA reports dental support in 2023 and has donated over $1 million to services for Florida’s eligible wounded veterans. The nonprofit
approximately 17 veterans die by suicide every day. veteran dental care since the start of the program in 2021. was founded in 2009 and Army Veteran Michael Durkee
This veteran-led nonprofit is filling in the gaps Florida State House Bill 635: Dental Services for Veterans is the executive director. WVRF is headquartered in North
when it comes to veteran dental care by partnering with was approved and signed by the Florida Governor, and Palm Beach, Fla., with additional team members located in
oral health professionals and clinics across the state to now can give this Florida nonprofit the needed funding in the Pensacola, Tampa, and Orlando regions. “Like” WVRF
provide veterans with access to the critical dental care order to extend its dental program to a larger number of on Facebook at WoundedVeteransReliefFund and follow on
they deserve. Partners include over 60 independent dental qualified Florida disabled veterans. The Florida Governor Instagram at @wvrelieffund and Twitter @WVReliefFund.
offices statewide, The Stiles-Nicholson Foundation, signed the proposed bill on May 26. Photos by WVRF
Nobel Biocare, and Quantum Foundation.
“We are thrilled to be the first organization in the state
said. “We believe that every veteran deserves access to School Bus Safety

to provide this much-needed service to veterans,” Durkee
quality dental care, and we are committed to working with
our partners to make this a reality.”
Stay Alert. Keep Them Safe.

Related Information Provided By The Mayo Clinic
Poor dental hygiene is directly linked to other chronic
health care conditions like diabetes and heart disease.
Studies have found that people with periodontal or
gum disease have a greater risk of experiencing a major
cardiovascular event, such as a heart attack or stroke. Gum
disease leads to an increased arterial inflammation, which
is responsible for cardiovascular problems.
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Pregnancy And Birth Complications
Periodontitis has been linked to premature birth and
low birth weight.
Pneumonia
Certain bacteria in your mouth can be pulled into your
lungs, causing pneumonia and other respiratory diseases.
Certain conditions also might affect your oral health,
including: Do you know a family member,
Diabetes
By reducing the body’s resistance to infection, diabetes friend or a neighbor in need of
puts your gums at risk. Gum disease appears to be more
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Research shows that people who have gum disease have
a harder time controlling their blood sugar levels. Regular
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HIV/AIDS
Oral problems, such as painful mucosal lesions, are Home Health Aides / Certified Nursing Assistants / Registered Nurses to assist you with:
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Osteoporosis • Personal Care • Companionship • Respite Care • Alzheimers & Dementia Care
This bone-weakening disease is linked with • Medication Management • Transportation • Meal Preparation
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Other conditions that might be linked to oral health
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