Tomball Regional Health Foundation (TRHF) is proud to announce the partnership with Tomball Emergency Assistance Ministries (TEAM) for the second year to provide emergency dental care to low-income, qualifying adults and seniors in the Tomball, Magnolia, and Waller areas. During the course of 2018 grant the funds allowed TEAM to cover the expenses of emergency dental services for 47 adult or senior clients at an average cost of $830. The goal of both organizations is to not only alleviate the pain and suffering caused by tooth decay and infection, but to also prevent oral diseases from developing into more serious health complications. The renewed $50,000 grant will go a long way to help the men and women in the area.
Older Americans with the poorest oral health are those who are economically disadvantaged, lack insurance, and are members of racial and ethnic minorities. Being disabled, homebound, or institutionalized also increases the risk of poor oral health. “Thanks to the Tomball Regional Health Foundation, TEAM was able to pay for these dental treatments where they otherwise may have gone unresolved. With the help of TRHF, we have been able to have a significant impact in the lives of these clients,” noted TEAM executive director Barry Hart. The TRHF 2019 grant will allow TEAM to continue to cover these dental services for qualifying clients.
TEAM also provides financial and food assistance to lower-income Tomball-area residents who are experiencing an unusual shortfall in meeting their living expenses, or have an emergency family event that they are not able to cover. With the help of local churches and businesses participating in the Tomball Benevolence Network, TEAM is also able to provide other services such as emergency auto repair or plumbing in the event that TEAM clients have such a need.
“TRHF is honored to provide dental service to the men and women in the greater Tomball, Magnolia and Waller communities to assure prevention of tooth decay and oral disease,” according to Lynn LeBouef, TRHF CEO.