UWSC Column: Impact Grant - Story County Dental Clinic

Throughout the current campaign, we continue to learn how great things happen when we live united. United Way of Story County (UWSC) focuses on education, income and health – the building blocks for a good quality of life – and the community is coming together to help advance the common good in these areas. 
 
In addition to investing in core programs through partner agencies, UWSC offers the opportunity for human service agencies in Story County to apply for grant funding. When funding is available (which may come from such sources as campaign donations directed to education, income or health, income from the UWSC Endowment or the annual budget, or from Golf Fore Kids), the UWSC Allocations Committee will review applications before presenting recommendations to the UWSC Board of Directors. The awarded grants must support unanticipated, emerging or other under-funded needs.
 
Earlier this summer, UWSC awarded Community Impact Grants to support projects on a larger scale than the monthly grant applications. Applicants were asked to demonstrate how their programs impact the community and people served in the areas of education, income and health. In July, the UWSC Board of Directors voted to allocate more than $114,000 total to seven programs. 
 
For the next few weeks, this column is highlighting all seven Community Impact Grant recipients as a way to share the good work of local agencies and, at the same time, fill you in on other opportunities UWSC provides beyond the traditional campaign and funding model.
 
The Board voted to allocate a $15,316 grant to Mid-Iowa Community Action (MICA) to help replace two complete chair units at the Story County Dental Clinic.
 
The Story County Dental Clinic (SCDC) provides high-quality dental care to those insured by Medicaid, hawk-i, Iowa Health and Wellness, Veterans Benefits, Title V or Access to Recovery vouchers as well as low-income, uninsured individuals. In FY14, the SCDC provided dental care to more than 1,800 Iowans. 
 
At the clinic, Medicaid patients pay a $3 co-pay, and uninsured patients pay the Medicaid rate –50%-75% less than a traditional dental clinic. There is no cost to patients insured by the other programs listed. Working exclusively with Medicaid rates for uninsured patients keeps patient cost low, which is key to providing vital dental services to this vulnerable population. However, Medicaid rates typically pay only 2/3 of the costs incurred while providing services. Therefore, using these rates creates a gap in clinic funding that MICA must continually raise funds to fill. This gap also presents a challenge when the clinic needs to upgrade or purchase equipment – even pieces that are vital to its operation.
 
SDCD is in such a current challenge, as it needs to purchase new dental chairs and dental lights. The current chairs don’t allow for correct positioning of the dental practitioner. Additionally, each chair has particular concerns, from ripped upholstery to missing ball bearings. Replacement parts are not available because the chair's manufacturer no longer produces them. The lights are discolored, and don’t provide enough light for the practitioner. Replacement lights, which fit the mounting system, are no longer available. 
 
With the help of the United Way grant, two complete chair units will be purchased to replace the current ineffective equipment. SCDC will have operatory chairs that are both safe for the patients and comfortable for the practitioner. In addition, the chairs will have lights that will provide an effective work environment for the practitioner. 
 
Access to quality health services, including dental care, is vital for individuals and families and is a priority for United Way. Healthy smiles and mouths indicates healthy lives.
 
The momentum is building, and we’re excited to share the collective good work. We invite you join us and see that great things happen when we live united. You can give, you can advocate and you can volunteer.