Ice storm can't cool GKAS spirit in Louisville
|
Posted Feb. 6, 2009 |
By Stacie Crozier Louisville, Ky.—Though the city is still reeling from a severe ice storm Jan. 26 that left thousands without power and water and shuttered schools for five days, the organizers of Smile Kentucky! are focused on treating a record number of children today at the University of Louisville School of Dentistry.
"This treatment will be life-changing for some of the 355 children coming to the dental school today," said Dr. Ann Greenwell, a faculty member and volunteer. "U of L's dental school faculty, staff and students are happy to once again help our community by providing free care for these children."
 |
|
 |
| A tradition: Dr. Greg Karem (center) pauses during the Louisville GKAS event for a photo with his office staff. Dr. Karem has participated in the GKAS/SmileKentucky! since its inception and has brought his entire staff every year. Dr. Karem also provides free follow-up treatment for children who need additional care after the event. (Photos by Patrick Pfister, pfoto.com) |
|
Ready for the kids: Dr. Ann Greenwell (left), University of Louisville School of Dentistry, and Dr. Julie Watts McKee, Kentucky state dental director, get ready for the GKAS event at the dental school Feb. 6. |
Now in its seventh year, the Louisville-area Give Kids A Smile program that serves a six-county area will be its largest ever, due in part to the economic downturn.
"We are seeing more children in pain and with dental needs," added Dr. Greenwell, "and more families are unable to care for their children's oral health needs. Living with pain and infection makes it hard to eat and grow, to focus in school and even sleep."
Since 2003, Smile Kentucky! has provided free treatment to 1,700 children, free dental screenings to 29,000 and dental education programs to 90,000 students. Community partners involved in the GKAS program include: the ADA, Bullitt County Health Department, Delta Dental of Kentucky, Doral Dental Services of Ky., Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures, Colgate-Palmolive, Louisville Dental Society, Louisville Metro Department of Public Health & Wellness, Louisville Water Company, NorthWest Area Health Education Center, Prospect-Goshen Rotary Club, Henry Schein Dental, TARC (the local bus company), Texas Roadhouse restaurants, and U of L School of Dentistry.
Program planners expect to provide more than $100,000 in donated care today (and later for children need additional follow-up care). About 100 dental professionals and 200 non-clinical volunteers have signed on for the annual event. More than 3,600 children from 29 schools were screened to prepare for the GKAS treatment clinic and today's patients are children with no dental insurance or government assistance.
|
