•November 25, 2015•

The Douglas County Health Department in Tuscola was awarded $10,000 from the Delta Dental Foundation.

In partnership with the Wellness on Wheels bus, the Douglas County Health Department Dental Clinic will use the grant to provide oral health awareness and education to the Amish population within Coles, Douglas and Moultrie counties. Children from nine different parochial schools between the ages of five and 18 will receive exams, cleanings and sealants through the bus, and any children needing restorative services will be seen at the on-site dental clinic.

As part of its commitment to improve children’s oral health in Illinois, the Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation, the 501(c)(3) charitable arm of Delta Dental of Illinois, awarded $149,165 to 16 organizations through its Community Grants Program. These organizations were selected as a result of their dedication and commitment to help improve access to oral health care and/or education for Illinois children.

“A staggering amount of children in Illinois suffer from preventable dental disease, as well as face significant barriers to access the oral health care they need,” said Lora Vitek, director of philanthropy and community relations for the Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation. “The Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation developed its Community Grants Program as a way to help combat tooth decay and improve access to care. We are proud to support each of these 16 organizations as they help us further our mission of improving oral health in Illinois by providing essential oral health services to children across the state.”