Addressing the need for accessible oral health.
The Viscardi Center’s Project Accessible Oral Health (PAOH) initiative aims to improve access to oral health care for people with disabilities; the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation supports organizations that address unmet health care needs that impact New Yorkers. Together, we’re serving the region’s most underserved communities.
As a grantee, we’re honored to expand PAOH’s efforts to make equal access to oral health care a priority. While oral health is linked to the wellness of the entire body, it’s often difficult for people to find high-quality, fully accessible treatment options. Since 2017, PAOH has acted to enhance the overall health of the disability community by educating caregivers, uncovering solutions to increase the number of culturally competent providers, and restructuring reimbursement structures.
The Project recently released an Accessible Dental Provider Directory for individuals seeking culturally competent care in the downstate New York area, and is currently assembling a complete toolkit with details on finding an accessible provider, preparing for dental visits, and instructions for oral care at home. When it becomes safe to do so, PAOH will resume its educational seminars and dental screening events. The Mother Cabrini Foundation continues the work of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, known as Mother Cabrini, who was drawn to those in need.
“Mother Cabrini spent her life devoted to those who faced the greatest struggles, and the Foundation named in her honor is proudly carrying on her legacy,” said Msgr. Gregory Mustaciuolo, CEO of the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation. “From supporting pediatric cardiac care units in children’s hospitals to expanding mental health services to enhancing immigrants’ access to services, our inaugural grants are already making a difference in communities across New York State.”