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Delta Dental Foundation opens $500,000 COVID-19 emergency assistance fund

3/30/20
Okemos, Michigan—In this time of change and uncertainty, safety-net dental clinics and nonprofit organizations are being asked to do more than ever before.

The Delta Dental Foundation (DDF) recognizes that and announced on Monday the creation of a $500,000 COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Fund.

The DDF is a nonprofit, charitable organization which serves as the philanthropic arm of Delta Dental of Michigan, Ohio and Indiana.

The application-only fund will address needs faced by both safety-net dental clinics and nonprofits in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana who work with vulnerable populations and provide health services or food assistance.

“There is an unprecedented level of need in our nonprofit community. We are aware that our health care providers are facing critical needs and the nonprofits who provide food assistance are struggling,” said Holli Seabury, Executive Director of the DDF. “This fund is designed to help meet the greatest needs of our communities.”

Safety-net dental clinics play a critical role in treating the underserved, uninsured and the Medicaid population, typically the demographic most likely to use the hospital emergency room if they have a dental emergency. However, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic it is imperative that hospital emergency rooms not be overwhelmed with patients who could be treated elsewhere.

Nonprofits who meet the funding criteria can apply here.

The DDF will review and award grants based on need and funding criteria.

Along with funding, approved grantees will receive toothbrushes and educational materials detailing the importance of oral health in preventing COVID-19 and other illnesses as well as a listing of local dental emergency clinics taking patients.

To access the online application and for more information about the DDF and the work it does in your community, visit deltadentalmi.com/ddf.