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United Way provides health care with teeth

When you have a gap in your mouth because of missing teeth, it can be tricky to chew. When there is a gap in your health care, it can be tricky to stay well.

There certainly has been a lot of change in health care over the last couple of years. Despite all of the transformation, there still are some gaps.

For example, many low-income adults who need dentures may be covered to visit a dentist but might not be covered to purchase the devices (which typically cost over $1,000). The lack of dentures is not simply a cosmetic concern – without teeth, difficulty chewing can make it tough to get adequate nutrition to maintain good health. Socially, it can affect one’s ability to obtain certain jobs or promotions.

Similarly, kids and adults alike may fall through the cracks when it comes to needing eyeglasses or hearing devices. It can be tough to perform well at school when you cannot see the board, and it can be tough to work when you cannot hear customer or supervisor requests. Social relations, even among family members, particularly can be strained when a person has difficulty hearing. Spending money on hearing devices, exams and glasses often is considered a luxury, therefore, many go without.

United Way programs help to fill in some of these gaps. The Community Emergency Assistance Coalition (at Housing Solutions with financial management by United Way) has stepped up to provide money for dentures to those who do not have other resources to purchase these. This was made possible by an extra contribution to the coalition from the local Salvation Army and discounted rates from a very generous local provider. (Thank you, Dr. Moore!)

Another partner, The Eye and Ear Program (at San Juan Basin Health Department), assists lower-income people with obtaining exams and purchasing hearing devices and eyeglasses. These services help people to perform their best in school and at work, as well as to help maintain positive social relationships.

Our United Way not only is filling gaps, but also is working to help people build healthier lives overall. Healthy lifestyle lessons are embedded in many of our youth programs (e.g., SUCAP Headstart, Boys & Girls Club, Girl Scouts and Planned Parenthood Education Programs, just to name a few) to help kids learn the basics of healthy behaviors and choices.

La Plata Family Centers Coalition also supports health in numerous ways, from healthy cooking classes to helping people navigate the world of insurance.

Finally, partner organizations such as Axis Health System, Medicine Horse Center and Sexual Assault Services support those who have been through crisis or trauma to get back on the road to good mental and physical health.

Our health interacts with every other aspect of our lives, and we are fortunate to have these great organizations and others in our community to help fill the gaps and support all of us. Thank you for Living United.

Lynn Urban is chief executive officer and president of United Way of Southwest Colorado.



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