Page 5 - Jupiter Ocean Mile

Page 5 - Jupiter Ocean Mile - November '21

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Jupiter Ocean Mile, Page 5
Bringing Smiles To Wounded Veterans

WVRF’s Dental Program

By Chrystal D. Rambarath an ally as they confront obstacles before them. Their most Whatever their reasons for serving, veterans are bound
Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and oral cancer: recent challenge has been to expand dental care access by a profound sense of duty and uphold the defense of
What do these afflictions have in common? According to for veterans and the launch of their dental program. American values. They willingly risk their lives and make
the Center for Disease Control, these and other chronic During an emergency dental examination made great sacrifices so that their fellow citizens can enjoy
conditions can be linked to poor oral health. While in possible by WVRF, it was detected that one of their freedom, liberty, and all rights that our citizenship allows.
some cases, it is yet to be determined if poor oral health veterans was suffering from oral cancer. That timely When they return home, and in their time of need, it is
causes these conditions, it is undeniable that many examination caught an oral cancer that could have been our turn to support them. We hope that you are moved by
illnesses can be detected during routine dental checkups. fatal. This startling realization and the discovery of just the tribulations that confront them. If you are able, we
Encouragingly, good oral hygiene and treatment can how few veterans can access dental care prompted WVRF call upon your generosity to expand the critical services
reduce heart attacks by 35 percent. Though that is good to do something. With support of their board of directors that the dental program offers. You may donate your time,
news for Americans who have dental insurance and those and the partnership of one local dentist, WVRF began to skills, or supplies, attend an event, become an advocate,
that adhere to their biannual checkups, there is a segment bridge this gap in health care for veterans. The lives of at or simply spread news of this essential endeavor among
of our population for whom this basic care is out of reach. least two veterans were saved by early diagnoses during your family, friends, and networks. To get involved or find
Our veterans face danger of all sorts: enemy fire, a dental examination. out more, please call (561) 855-4207, visit www.wvrf.org,
biological and chemical threats, and more. But upon In addition to overall physical health, poor oral health find us at the Wounded Veterans Relief Fund on Facebook
their return home, they also face new dangers – threats is also a contributing factor to mental health illnesses. and LinkedIn, or follow us at WVReliefFund on Twitter
that make their transition to civilian life difficult. One Veterans have shared that they stopped smiling and and Instagram. As former President Calvin Coolidge once
silent, almost undetectable threat can be found in their experienced poor self-esteem, shame, depression, and said, “The nation which forgets its defenders will be itself
mouths. As many as 92 percent of veterans served by the job rejections because of the aesthetics and state of their forgotten.”
Veteran’s Affairs system are ineligible for dental care mouths. Gum disease, chronic bad breath, tooth decay,
benefits. Only honorably discharged veterans with a 100 and mouth sores result in loss of confidence among
percent service-connected disability qualify for dental veterans as well. These conditions also jeopardize
care through the VA. Thankfully, nonprofits often fill veterans’ ability to secure a stable job, a critical aspect Nov. 26
the gaps left unserved by the government and the private of their transition to civilian life. With little financial
sector. safety nets, a job keeps veterans and their families with
The Wounded Veterans Relief Fund (WVRF), roofs over their heads. With the increased demand among
established in 2009, was created to support Florida’s veterans for mental health care, it is imperative that access
disabled veterans by relieving the financial strains that to dental care be expanded.
prevent their transition to civilian life. They provide In 2020, WVRF launched their fledgling dental
temporary emergency financial assistance to qualified program. It was piloted in Palm Beach County and Nov. 29
disabled veterans. The impact of WVRF’s work is offers emergency dental assistance to qualified veterans.
tremendous, considering that Florida is home to the These veterans must have a 10 percent or more service-
third largest population of veterans in the United States connected disability rating or have an active pending
– more than 1.5 million people. The nonprofit supports claim, be a Florida resident currently residing in Florida,
veterans who served in World War II through present day have been honorably discharged from the military, and
conflicts. To date, over 10,000 veterans and their families need emergency dental care. It is the WVRF’s intention Nov. 30
have received more than $5 million in direct financial that the dental program will be expanded, with a location
assistance. WVRF’s intervention and work literally keeps for dental services in each of Florida’s 67 counties. In
veteran families from becoming homeless. Beyond this the interim, the nonprofit has the support of at least 10
support, WVRF is also a major advocate of veterans and local dentists who are ready to donate their services.

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