1607-12351

Massachusetts: The mission of Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center (Kennedy CHC) based in Worcester, MA is to “help people live healthier lives.” Over 70% of Kennedy CHC’s patient population is considered low income (200% or less of the federal poverty level) and 29% is uninsured. EMK’s patient population is ethnically, culturally and linguistically diverse –75% consists of racial/ethnic minorities. Currently, EMK’s dental practice in Clinton and Worcester has autoclave equipment that is either out-of-service or frequently sent out for repair. Yet, they are central to EMK’s core operations. The autoclave is essential for infection control and standard service of care. Support is requested from the Community Response Fund in the amount of $10,000 to help cover the cost of one autoclave for EMK’s dental practice in Clinton, the cost of which is $6,000 minus $1,000 received from Avidia Bank, and one autoclave for EMK’s practice in Worcester, at a cost of $5,000.