$3.1 Million Distributed to Iowa Communities by Delta Dental of Iowa in 2018
Posted on April 16, 2019 in Foundation
Focused on its mission of improving the health and smiles of the people it serves, Delta Dental of Iowa, through its Foundation and corporate giving distributed $3.1 million across Iowa in 2018. Funding provided supports dental and vision health programs focused on prevention, education and improving access to health care such as Iowa Mission of Mercy, Vision to Learn, KidsEyesight and Prevent Blindness. Broader support was provided in 2018 to address emotional health, wellbeing and active communities such as education on mental health for health care professionals at Des Moines University and a walking trail in the city of Marion.
“As an Iowa company rooted in the communities we serve, Delta Dental gives back to Iowans by supporting other nonprofits that have a shared mission,” said Jeff Russell, president and CEO of Delta Dental of Iowa. “In 2018, we recognized new opportunities to work toward our overall health mission which included support for mental health education and community improvements in addition to our core philanthropic activities surrounding dental and vision health.”
Impact in all 99 counties
In 2018, the Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation invested in oral health programs that benefited Iowans in all 99 counties in the state. The most simple give back mechanism – putting new toothbrushes in the hands of Iowans – set a new mark this year of 1.86 million toothbrushes being donated in the last six years. The Foundation provided significant support for expansion of school-based dental sealant programs, which is one of the most cost-effective ways to prevent cavities. Since 2013, more than $1 million has been invested to expand services from 27 to 97 counties in Iowa – up almost 260 percent thanks to funding and collaboration efforts.
Overall, funding provided by Delta Dental contributed to oral health education programs for children and aging Iowans, loan repayment programs for dentists in underserved communities, supported community water fluoridation, increased access to dental care for underserved Iowans and continued to support nonprofits addressing vision health.
Rethink Your Drink
A great example of Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation’s impact on Iowans is the Rethink Your Drink program. This is an exciting collaboration with Iowa schools to improve oral and overall health of Iowa children. To date, funds totaling $430,000 have allowed 115 Iowa schools across Iowa to receive water bottle filling stations, making it easier for students and staff to stay hydrated throughout the day. Students also receive water bottles, toothbrushes and materials that educate on the importance of drinking water instead of sugary drinks.
For more about Delta Dental’s giving in 2018, visit http://www.deltadentalia.com/foundation.