Mental Health & Substance Abuse Care
Homeless have access to G. Wayne Fralin Free Clinic for the Homeless (provide dentures as well)
Access: • Rely on a support network • Family, friends • Church
Challenges: • Out-of-pocket expenses are prohibitive for uninsured • Out-of-pocket expenses for co-pays, deductibles are prohibitive at times for the insured
Health literacy: • Value not placed on preventive care for self. • Limited understanding of treatment and/or advocating for self.
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Blue Ridge Behavioral Health Carilion Clinic Center for Healthy Aging
One participant reported not having her teeth cleaned since she was 10 years old. Mental health is important. There is a stigma attached to getting health care. Many do not know resources in the community. There is no shame is getting the mental health care you
I had an abscess and I had to get to the hospital. I had to get antibiotics and they had to stick a needle in my head and pull the tooth in the ED.
You must advocate for yourself when you go to the dentist. A Presbyterian Community Center client with a bad tooth went to the dentist and they pulled the wrong tooth. She did not say anything.
The Mission of Mercy project is a BandAid approach to dental care. Doesn't help you get regular care. It does help with dentures.
Information is needed about the MOM for working people who are not served by organizations (safety nets, health & human services agencies). How are we supposed to know about this? I have family who need this.
the homeless. I got a new pair at the Rescue Mission. (Substance Abuse Recovery Program graduate)
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