Page 3 - Jupiter West - November '21
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Jupiter West, Page 3
Bringing Smiles To Wounded Veterans
WVRF’s Dental Program
By Chrystal D. Rambarath return home, they also face new dangers – threats that make home to the third largest population of veterans in the United
Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and oral cancer: their transition to civilian life difficult. One silent, almost States – more than 1.5 million people. The nonprofit supports
What do these afflictions have in common? According to undetectable threat can be found in their mouths. As many veterans who served in World War II through present day
the Center for Disease Control, these and other chronic as 92 percent of veterans served by the Veteran’s Affairs conflicts. To date, over 10,000 veterans and their families
conditions can be linked to poor oral health. While in some system are ineligible for dental care benefits. Only honorably have received more than $5 million in direct financial
cases, it is yet to be determined if poor oral health causes discharged veterans with a 100 percent service-connected assistance. WVRF’s intervention and work literally keeps
these conditions, it is undeniable that many illnesses can disability qualify for dental care through the VA. Thankfully, veteran families from becoming homeless. Beyond this
be detected during routine dental checkups. Encouragingly, nonprofits often fill the gaps left unserved by the government support, WVRF is also a major advocate of veterans and
good oral hygiene and treatment can reduce heart attacks by and the private sector. an ally as they confront obstacles before them. Their most
35 percent. Though that is good news for Americans who The Wounded Veterans Relief Fund (WVRF), established recent challenge has been to expand dental care access for
have dental insurance and those that adhere to their biannual in 2009, was created to support Florida’s disabled veterans veterans and the launch of their dental program.
checkups, there is a segment of our population for whom by relieving the financial strains that prevent their transition During an emergency dental examination made possible
this basic care is out of reach. to civilian life. They provide temporary emergency financial by WVRF, it was detected that one of their veterans was
Our veterans face danger of all sorts: enemy fire, assistance to qualified disabled veterans. The impact of suffering from oral cancer. That timely examination caught
biological and chemical threats, and more. But upon their WVRF’s work is tremendous, considering that Florida is an oral cancer that could have been fatal. This startling
realization and the discovery of just how few veterans can
access dental care prompted WVRF to do something. With
Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade from page 1 About Marine Industries Association Of Palm Beach support of their board of directors and the partnership of one
County local dentist, WVRF began to bridge this gap in health care
inception, the MIAPBC has donated over $2.5 million to The Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County for veterans. The lives of at least two veterans were saved
local nonprofit organizations and scholarship candidates. Inc. (MIAPBC) is a not-for-profit organization formed in by early diagnoses during a dental examination.
“The MIAPBC is proud to bring the community together 1986. Their mission is to promote and protect the sound In addition to overall physical health, poor oral health is
and give back through this annual event. It has become an growth of the marine industry in Palm Beach County for the also a contributing factor to mental health illnesses. Veterans
honored tradition for so many people throughout the years. benefit and education of its members, the community, and the have shared that they stopped smiling and experienced poor
As always, we hope to give back even more than the previous environment. The MIAPBC brings the community two annual self-esteem, shame, depression, and job rejections because
year, not only to this event, but to all the organizations and signature events: the Palm Beach International Boat Show of the aesthetics and state of their mouths. Gum disease,
events we help fund throughout the entire year,” said Alyssa and the Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade. The Palm Beach chronic bad breath, tooth decay, and mouth sores result in
Freeman, executive director of MIAPBC. International Boat Show features billions of dollars of yachts loss of confidence among veterans as well. These conditions
The MIAPBC invites local businesses to participate as a and accessories with an economic impact of $682 million also jeopardize veterans’ ability to secure a stable job, a
sponsor with packages ranging from $250 to $10,000 with statewide and $84 million in Palm Beach County. MIAPBC critical aspect of their transition to civilian life. With little
varying benefits including business exposure on television, supports over 40 local marine-related events and nonprofits financial safety nets, a job keeps veterans and their families
radio, print, digital, social media, and public relations. A that protect and promote the marine industry in Palm Beach with roofs over their heads. With the increased demand
sponsorship guarantees access to the exclusive VIP viewing County and beyond with a portion providing scholarships among veterans for mental health care, it is imperative that
party with premium views of the boat parade, entertainment, to deserving students. Since its inception, the MIAPBC has access to dental care be expanded.
food, and open bar. donated over $2.5 million to local nonprofit organizations In 2020, WVRF launched their fledgling dental program.
Register your boat today and be part of this holiday and scholarship candidates. It was piloted in Palm Beach County and offers emergency
tradition. The parade features up to 80 holiday-themed boats Calendar listing: 6 to 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 4 – The dental assistance to qualified veterans. These veterans must
and yachts that begin in North Palm Beach and travel by the Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County’s have a 10 percent or more service-connected disability
MIAPBC headquarters in North Palm Beach up to the Jupiter 27th annual Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade and Toy rating or have an active pending claim, be a Florida resident
Inlet Lighthouse where a panel of judges evaluates each vessel Drive, benefiting Toys for Tots and Little Smiles. The currently residing in Florida, have been honorably discharged
based on lights, enthusiasm, and themed-decor. The entering parade begins in North Palm Beach and navigates up the from the military, and need emergency dental care. It is the
vessels are eligible for up to $10,000 in cash and prizes. All Intracoastal Waterway ending at 8 p.m. at the iconic Jupiter WVRF’s intention that the dental program will be expanded,
vessels must be registered by Nov. 30. For more information Inlet Lighthouse. For more information visit marinepbc.org with a location for dental services in each of Florida’s 67
visit, marinepbc.org or call (561) 863-0012. or call (561) 863-0012. counties. In the interim, the nonprofit has the support of at
least 10 local dentists who are ready to donate their services.
Whatever their reasons for serving, veterans are bound
Have Medicare questions? I have answers. by a profound sense of duty and uphold the defense of
American values. They willingly risk their lives and make
great sacrifices so that their fellow citizens can enjoy
freedom, liberty, and all rights that our citizenship allows.
When they return home, and in their time of need, it is
our turn to support them. We hope that you are moved by
Kathy Olejniczak the tribulations that confront them. If you are able, we
call upon your generosity to expand the critical services
Licensed Sales Agent that the dental program offers. You may donate your time,
561-212-7640, TTY 711 skills, or supplies, attend an event, become an advocate,
or simply spread news of this essential endeavor among
your family, friends, and networks. To get involved or find
out more, please call (561) 855-4207, visit www.wvrf.org,
find us at the Wounded Veterans Relief Fund on Facebook
and LinkedIn, or follow us at WVReliefFund on Twitter
and Instagram. As former President Calvin Coolidge once
said, “The nation which forgets its defenders will be itself
Y0066_21SPRJ55188_C
forgotten.”
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