G-2407-21874

The West Virginia Oral Health Coalition (WVOHC) was established in June of 2010 and is a statewide representation of oral health partners and stakeholders representing diverse interests. These members include an array of local, state, and community associations as well as several national organizations/agencies and are representative of a wide variety of demographics.

This proposal is specific to the sponsorship of the West Virginia Oral Health Summit (WVOHS) that WVOHC is hosting on August 16th, 2024. WVOHS is an opportunity to raise awareness of the oral health challenges facing West Virginia, while providing a information about oral health policy. CareQuest Institute sponsorship will help WVOHC to align its partners on oral health policy and is also an opportunity to increase visibility of CareQuest Institute among oral health professionals, safety-net clinic and health department representatives, advocates, policymakers, and community partners that are interested in oral health.

The conference’s goals include: (1) garnering support for tobacco control, vaping, and nicotine cessation programs among oral health care providers; (2) addressing the substance use epidemic to alleviate chronic disease and reduce barriers to workforce participation; and (3) advancement and protection of Medicaid adult dental benefits to improve the state’s oral health outcomes and address existing barriers to accessing care.

WVOHC operates in a state with high need for oral health investment and this request for $10,000 will present various existing state partners with a venue to convene. This sponsorship will classify CareQuest Institute as a platinum sponsor for the event.