G-1901-14729

The purpose of this grant is to continue to build the capacity of healthcare consumers in Arizona to meaningfully engage in policy and systems change; to improve the public perception of the value of oral health to overall health; to enhance collaborative, cross-blade infrastructure processes, shared power, and decision-making; and to elevate health equity and social justice approaches within the Oral Health Progress and Equity Network that are fully informed by, and reflective of, community voices. The work in this proposal specifically will look at shifting and protecting policies related to children's access to care and coverage. This includes CHIP, the ACA, specific components of the Medicaid program. The activities include growing new and galvanizing existing networks of community organizations and building their capacity to engage in policy education and advocacy. This aligns with the Oral Health 2020 goal of shifting the public perception of oral health with a target of increasing oral health in overall health dialogue and in public policy. The budget for this proposal is $70,800 and is primarily to support time and supplies to delivery this project.