G-1901-14734

This investment supports LENOWISCO Planning District Commission to act as a lead convener in southwest Virginia as part of the Grassroots Engagement Strategy. The work in this proposal is focused on strengthening advocacy and policy capacity, collaborations and community and stakeholder engagement to increase oral health education at a variety of access points for children, parents, guardians, primary care providers, and educators; increase access to oral health care services using traditional and innovative models of oral health care delivery; and increase the number of children, ages 1-18 who receive preventive oral health services. Specifically, LENOWISCO and their mini grantee partners will plan and host an oral health workforce convening; promote oral health educational resources and materials to key populations; provide trainings for medical providers and caregivers about oral disease prevention; and complete a school-based health assessment. This work 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 staff time, mini grants, regional travel, materials, and other expenses.