1510-11523

Philadelphia FIGHT was established in 1990 as an AIDS service organization and became a Federally Qualified Health Center in 2012. While being an inviting and open health center to the entire community, its target populations include individuals who are HIV+ or are at risk for HIV, ex-offenders, and LGBTQ youth. In 2014, FIGHT served a HIV+ client population of 1,700 in its medical clinic, and also opened 2 additional clinics that target at-risk youth and the ex-offender community. They expect to increase their client population by 2,500 in 2015-2016. If, as suggested by a 2013 community health needs assessment, 25% of these individuals are living with dental pain that is over 1,000 individuals who may be seeking urgent dental care at their dental clinic. According to the organization’s dental director, if the current portable x-ray machine were to become permanently dysfunctional, the clinic would be forced temporarily suspend all operations until a new piece of equipment could be purchased and enter service. FIGHT’s current x-ray machine is from the early 1980s and is in constant need of repair. A suspension in services would additionally burden an already extensive patient waiting list. With the addition of a certified used digital panoramic x-ray machine, Philadelphia FIGHT can continue operations without the risk of suspending services, and the clinic’s operational efficiencies will be dramatically increased. It's important to highlight the sustainability aspect presented by the organization. Through Pennsylvania Medicaid, FIGHT will be able to maintain and upgrade the equipment over time as they have the ability to reimbursement $37 per panoramic x-ray every 5 years. The organization will cover the initial shipping and maintenance cost ($2,000) estimated to setup the equipment within their health center. FIGHT receives public financial support from the City of Philadelphia AIDS Activities Coordinating Office, DHS, Department of Public Health, and the Office of Addiction Services, and holds community partnerships with the 3 major Philadelphia universities, University of Pennsylvania, Drexel University, and Temple University. Philadelphia FIGHT is a first time applicant and has not previously received funds from the DentaQuest Foundation.