December 19, 2011
Groundbreaking News
AS THE SOCIETY CELEBRATES FIRST ANNIVERSARY
On December 17th, The Community Dental Access Centre Society (CDAC) celebrates its first anniversary as a non-profit society (with charitable status). Along with this milestone we are extremely excited to share the news that we are moving forward on capital renovations of our dental clinic for low income populations.
Shockingly, 30% of North Okanagan residents cannot afford to go to a dentist. CDAC was formed to address this barrier to basic dental care. Soon all these individuals will have access to much needed dental health care services including the 400 children, adults and families on our waitlist.
During construction, we will continue to operate our Urgent Care Program to help those who are in critical need. We wish to take this opportunity to thank our caring local dentists who currently provide many hours of unpaid services to this community as well as support for the Urgent Care Program. Unfortunately, the need is far too great to help all those in need with this program. This new Centre will have many positive outcomes for our communities such as alleviating pain and suffering, preventing serious oral health outcomes particularly in children, ensuring employability by improving unsightly teeth, improving overall health, and relieving some of the physical and financial strain on the acute care system.
On December 8th, CDAC Board of Directors made the decision to begin construction based on strong community support and the fact that sufficient funds have been raised to move forward. Our existing leased space located at 3107C 31st Avenue will be renovated to accommodate a 4-chair dental centre. It is anticipated that construction will take approximately three months.
The entire project, including equipment and start-up costs is budgeted at $450,000. In just over one year CDAC has already raised $340,000 of that total. The generosity of this community has been overwhelming and we are confident that in the next few months we will raise the remaining $110,000. Contributions have come from, individuals, local dental and medical professionals, businesses, service groups, Interior Health, financial institutions, foundations, and others - all recognizing the importance of dental care to overall positive health outcomes.
The Community Dental Access Centre Society gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Southern Interior Development Initiative Trust (SIDIT), a trust created and funded by the Province of British Columbia to encourage, promote and support economic development in the Southern Interior of British Columbia. SIDIT has a mandate that includes the giving of grants for the purpose of supporting investment in the southern interior of British Columbia for matters such as forestry, pine beetle recovery, transportation, tourism, mining, Olympic opportunities, small business, economic development, energy and agriculture and has provided $50,000 towards this project. "SIDIT is proud to support the Community Dental Access Centre" says Ron Hovanes, SIDIT's Vice-Chair, "In addition to providing full time sustainable employment opportunities, the Community Dental Access Centre will enhance the employability of individuals who suffer as a result of poor dental health."
If you have any questions, or would like to know how you can contribute to this project, please contact Chris Turner
(250 308 4613) or Lesly McMillan (250 308 7163) or any Board member.
Website: www.communitydentalaccess.ca
Create a Smile - Change a Life
