G-1901-14740

The purpose of this grant is to continue to build the capacity of healthcare consumers in Florida 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. Being new to the Grassroots Initiative, Florida Voices brings new energy and a broad portfolio to the existing work in the state. Florida Voices' experience in campaign development, policy advocacy, and leveraging consumer voice position them to play an important role in needed change to the Florida oral health landscape. In 2019, Florida Voices will look at an array or oral health policies to actively engage around from community water fluoridation and school oral health to workforce issues. At the same time, Florida Voices will work to build the capacity of other oral health partners in the state to engage themselves. Ultimately, the oral health movement will be stronger and more equipped to create oral health equity. 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 contracted staff time, travel, and supplies associated with the project.