Page 6 - The Shores of Jupiter - November '21

Page 6, The Shores

Bringing Smiles To Wounded Veterans – WVRF’s Dental Program

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

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and permanent insurance.
• Permanent insurance investments can grow tax Expires 11/30/21.
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