Dental, Vision and Hearing Resources (repost)

[OneGrassRoot]

I’ve been envisioning a free clinic tour focused on dental, vision and hearing needs. We’ve seen firsthand how many in our own DU (and Wishadoo!) Community have gone without dental care, with often devastating results for one’s physical and emotional health.

Well, look what I found via The Google:

DENTISTRY FROM THE HEART

Dentistry From The Heart (DFTH) is a national non-profit organization dedicated to providing free dental care to those who need it. Every year, individual dentists and practices across the country donate their time and resources to host their own DFTH events. In support our of DFTH partners, the organization serves to recruit, unify, and promote events on a national level.

http://dentistryfromtheheart.org /


UNITE FOR SIGHT

Free clinics provide free and low-cost health services to the medically underserved and uninsured. Unite For Sight compiles information about free clinics located throughout the United States. Included are the locations of free clinics in addition to phone numbers and a list of free services provided. This list is provided as a resource only, and the free clinics listed have no affiliation or relationship with Unite For Sight.

http://www.uniteforsight.org/freeclinics.php


HEARING AIDS AND OTHER ASSISTIVE DEVICES; WHERE TO GET ASSISTANCE

(Edit to say that the original link to Gallaudet University is no longer valid; I can't find that program there any longer. :( )

A cursory search just now turned up this site which seems to provide several bits of helpful information as to where to look for assistance regarding hearing loss and devices.

The Lions Club seems to be most active in this; they collect hearing aids and repair them for redistribution to those in need.

http://hubpages.com/hub/Free-hearing-aids



edit for link not working

[csziggy]

1. This should be a sticky - keep it on top! n/t

[Sherman A1]

2. K&R

:kick:

[SharonAnn]

3. Don't forget RAM (Remote Area Medical) which focuses on dental and vision

They are based out of Knoxville, TN. Originally started to focus on getting equipment and volunteers to developing countries, they now do most of their work in the United States.

People line up for their care and get dental care and vision care.

60 Minutes and others have done stories on them.

They're absolutely amazing.

http://www.ramusa.org/

[OneGrassRoot]

5. Sweet. Thanks! :) n/t

[Dappleganger]

4. Bookmarking, excellent!!

[w8liftinglady]

6. EXCELLENT post.. when a few more links are found.. I will make this my next editorial.

[w8liftinglady]

7. And I will kick for more exposure

[w8liftinglady]

8. and the rough copy ...

The reality about Texas is that we lead the nation in those with no medical or dental insurance. Many of the uninsured live in Ellis County. With that in mind,here are a few resources for dental,hearing and vision programs that will hopefully benefit someone you know.

Dentistry From The Heart is a volunteer organization of dentists dedicated to providing care for the uninsured. There will be several events in march in Dallas, Ft. Worth and surrounding Texas towns.
http://www.dentistryfromtheheart.org/

Give Back a Smile is an organization dedicated to providing cosmetic dental care to abuse survivors.
http://www.aacd.com/index.php?module=cms&page=47

Prevent Blindness of Texas has several screening and support programs for adults and children with vision disorders. http://www.preventblindness.org/TX/TX_programs.html#partners

Unite For Sight is an organization dedicated to providing services for all to prevent blindness. These include collaboration with major medical organizations for eye care,eyeglasses and more.
http://www.uniteforsight.org/start-a-chapter/best-practices#programs

Miracle Ear provides assistance for children's hearing aid products.
http://www.miracle-ear.com/childrenrequest.aspx

The Starkey Hearing Foundation has several programs to assist with obtaining hearing aids.
http://www.starkeyhearingfoundation.org/index.php

The National Association of the Deaf has many resources for hearing-impaired adults and children.
http://www.nad.org/

If you know someone who can benefit from one of these programs,please refer them. If you can spare a few dollars, consider donating so your neighbors can see,hear and smile again.

[OneGrassRoot]

9. Awesome, thanks!

:thumbsup:

:hi:

[Mnemosyne]

10. K&R for more visibility.

:hi::yourock::hug:

[ellenrr]

11. wow thanks, I haven't had insurance since 1986

I can get some kind of care at a clinic, but finding eye and dental care is very hard.
thanks..

[OneGrassRoot]

12. You're most welcome! :) n/t

[Skidmore]

13. I'd settle for a clinic on a sliding scale with reasonable

charges for very common treatments.

I went to the doctor last week and the charge was $125 for 10 minutes of talking and a prescription. We are lucky to have insurance now but if we didn't I would be able to pay $15-$25 out of pocket for the same level of service. I need labs once a year before I get a prescription. It means a trip to the oncologist too. The charges end up being in the area of $1000 each year to get a prescription after a blood draw and being asked a few questions by the doctor. Of the charges, the doctor's fee is the largest.

We have gone without dental care for long periods of time. I also only get my eyes checked once every 5 years, if I can. The problem is not the checkup but the cost of the glasses.

[felix_numinous]

14. K&R

You have such a big heart.