On the recent Dental Van visit to Orcas, 32 patients received care valued at $15,000 in a two-day span, March 23 to 24. Three Orcas dentists and their staff members donated their time. Patients were prioritized based on their applications and level of need.

“It was a huge success, both for the folks served and for the volunteers who greatly appreciated the opportunity to help,” said Hilary Canty, director of the Orcas Island Community Foundation.

The Dental Van visit was the first effort that was born out of the Community Foundation Needs Assessment, which made clear that several areas of great need exist on Orcas, but the one that consistently rose to the surface was access to physical, mental and dental health services. In response, OICF has launched a new program: the Focus Area Investment initiative. OICF is collaborating with community partners to develop three projects to improve access and increase information to health care providers and clients alike.

“We went out to a team of community members, lead by Rita Bailey, to get the van here and get the seats filled,” Canty said. “In the end, eight nonprofits, faith based, and government agencies and all three dental offices collaborated to make it a very successful event. It really took on the feel of a barn building, creating a great experience for so many clients and volunteers alike.”

There are three additional Dental Van visits scheduled for this year. For more info, contact Hilary Canty at 376-6423 or hilary@oicf.us.