Come Spring, Kids Will be Getting Smiles NYSDF readies its annual award to aid programs working to improve children’s oral health.
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G. Kirk Gleason, D.D.S. Chair, New York State Dental Foundation
s I write this, I’m looking out at a world of snow and bare tree limbs. But the sun is out, the sky is a brilliant blue, and the temperatures at least are in double digits—it’s a promising sign of spring, and for me, spring means Give Kids A Smile
(GKAS).
Since 2007, the New York State Dental Foundation has given out close to $300,000 to community health centers or service programs as part of its GKAS Award program. In choosing recipients, our Board recognizes innovation, improved outcomes, and the incorporation of education, screening, prevention and access. Most years, the Foundation honors multiple organizations.
PRASAD Children’s Dental Health Program’s state-of-the-art mobile clinic brings much-needed services to youngsters in rural Sullivan County.
Among our past recipients is PRASAD Children’s Dental Health Program in Liberty, NY, which has actually won multiple times, for the simple reason that everything it does raises awareness among the community at large that children deserve optimum oral health. (PRASAD stands for philanthropic, relief, altruistic, service and development.) PRASAD CDHP delivers comprehensive services, including education, prevention, detection and treatment, via a state-of-theart mobile clinic, which alleviates transportation issues within rural Sullivan County, where there is a lack of public transportation. Services are provided through arrangements with schools and local agencies, such as Sullivan County Public Health and the Head Start program.
Liu sisters Queenie and Melanie, have benefitted from PRASAD CDHP outreach since 2017.
I’ve had the pleasure of presenting the GKAS Award to PRASAD in person, and each time, I was joined by the entire Sullivan County Legislature, as well as many other policymakers and stakeholders. Clearly, PRASAD has a presence and sets an example from which so many organizations statewide can learn. Leading the dental component of PRASAD is Dr. Cecilia Escarra, who explains why PRASAD succeeds: “We are passionate about our work because we know the difference it makes in children’s overall well-being now and throughout their lives.” NEWS
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