September 1, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRES OF NORTHUMBERLAND
DENTAL PROGRAM GROWS TO SERVE MORE LOW INCOME SENIORS
As part of a 90 million dollar investment to fund a comprehensive plan to end hallway medicine, Ontario has launched many programs to help keep seniors healthier, longer within their communities. One such program is the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program (OSDCP) where in partnership with their local Health Units, Community Health Centres are able to provide free routine dental care to low income seniors. Through this program, and it’s partnership with the HKPR District Health Unit, the Community Health Centres of Northumberland has received $244,000.
This funding has allowed the CHCN Dental Program to increase from two operatories to three, which will result in an increase in both hygiene as well as dental services. This means that eligible low-income seniors in our communities can access the care they need, when they need it as well as diverting those in oral distress from going to the Emergency Department.
“The Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program helps low-income seniors have access to the publicly-funded, high-quality dental care they deserve. By keeping seniors healthy, we can help them avoid emergency visits to the hospital, prevent chronic diseases and increase their quality of life. We are pleased to have the Community Health Centres of Northumberland as a partner in delivering dental care to eligible seniors covered under the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program. The funding provided to CHC from the Ontario Government to support delivery of these services through a capital investment back in December 2019 has now become a reality. I am proud to be here today to celebrate the opening of the third dental operatory at the Community Health Centre in Port Hope.” David Piccini, MPP for Northumberland-Peterborough South
“We are very pleased that this expansion to our dental suite, along with the successful recruitment of additional dental staff will allow us to increase access to more eligible low-income seniors. We know that many low-income seniors face challenges accessing regular dental care because they cannot afford it, which impacts their overall health and well-being. For those that access the OSDCP we will be able to provide necessary treatment in a timely fashion. In addition to this capital investment, the ongoing partnership with the HKPR District Health Unit to flow funding from the government and administer the program will allow a smooth provision of services.” Taryn Rennicks, Interim Executive Director
At the Community Health Centres of Northumberland, the vision is “Healthy people, healthy relationships, and healthy communities.” The CHCN welcomes these new investments that will help meet the needs of the communities it serves, including some of the most vulnerable individuals.
For more information, please contact:
Taryn Rennicks, Interim Executive Director
Community Health Centres of Northumberland
905 885 2626
trennicks@porthopechc.ca
www.chcnorthumberland.ca
