Page 5 - Talk of Tequesta

Page 5 - Talk of Tequesta - November '21

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The Talk Of Tequesta, Page 5

good Works

Bringing Smiles To Wounded Veterans

– WVRF’s Dental Program

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

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