Delta Dental of Iowa Invests $224,640 in Seven Nonprofits for Oral Health and Overall Health Projects

Posted on June 11, 2024 in Foundation

The Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation has invested $224,640 in seven organizations to strengthen and transform the oral and overall health of Iowans. The grants are part of the Foundation’s Community of Health Grant program to address health disparities among individuals who are disproportionately impacted in our state.

“Delta Dental of Iowa and our Foundation are dedicated to collaborating with organizations that share our commitment to create healthier communities by strengthening the health and smiles of all Iowans,” said Suzanne Heckenlaible, executive director of the Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation. “We are proud to invest in the efforts of our community partners as they work to increase awareness and access to oral and overall health resources in communities across our state.”  

Oral Health Grants

A total of $115,350 was awarded to four organizations with projects focused on dental and dental assistant workforce training, recruitment and retention, oral health in pregnancy and prenatal care research, and rural oral health service delivery and access planning projects.

“A $50,000 Community of Health grant from the Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation will support our Dental Assistant Apprenticeship Advancement Pilot Program,” said Aaron Todd, CEO, at Iowa Primary Care Association. “This program enhances a work-based dental assistant training program and initiative to increase the oral health workforce capacity at community health centers across Iowa, ensuring that all Iowans receive high-quality dental care while also creating career pathways for individuals from diverse and under-resourced communities.”

Overall Health Grants

A total of $109,290 in Overall Health Grants was awarded to three organizations to fund community-led health initiatives focused on increasing access to overall health education, resources and services for refugee, immigrant, and additional marginalized populations.

“A $43,000 Community of Health Grant from the Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation will support our Health Equity Campaign, an immigrant-led, community-based coalition working to ensure everyone has access to responsive healthcare and to address disparities our communities experience,” said Henny Ohr, executive director, Refugee & Immigrant Voices in Action (RIVA). “This funding supports the efforts of RIVA, Knock and Drop Iowa, and Mi Salud Iowa to serve as a trusted resource for the Latinx population as we deliver culturally and linguistically appropriate health and preventive education, help individuals access health services, and navigate complex healthcare systems.”  

Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation Community of Health Grant applications from Iowa agencies are reviewed twice a year and applications are due on March 1 and September 1. For more information about Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation’s grant programs including descriptions and timelines, visit the Foundation website and register for a virtual information session to be held in July. Since 2002, Delta Dental has invested more than $68 million to improve the oral and overall health of Iowans. Learn more about the Foundation’s grants at deltadentalia.com/foundation.