DentistLink Connects Patients to Oral Health Care

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DentistLink Connects Patients to Oral Health Care

People who earn less than $17,775 a year are eligible to enroll in Apple Health (Medicaid) insurance, which covers dental care. Unfortunately, that doesn't always mean they are able to access dental care they need. In fact, in Spokane in 2020, only 24% of adults with Apple Health saw a dentist. Smile Spokane’s Access Strategy seeks to close that gap and help more people get the care they need.

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2022 Spokane Collaborative Charter

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In quarter 4 of 2021 the Collaborative worked to revise this Charter to be more inclusive and equitable regarding membership, participation, and group agreements. The document was also adapted to be more evergreen than the original, removing project specific language. This Charter has been approved at the February 17 Spokane Collaborative meeting.

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OHSU Evaluators Conducting MTP Provider Survey in early 2022

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Beginning February 2022, independent evaluators from the Center for Health Systems Effectiveness (CHSE) at OHSU will be conducting a Medicaid-focused survey of select practices and hospitals. The survey is part of the independent evaluation of the Medicaid Transformation Project (MTP) being conducted for Washington’s federal 1115 Medicaid Waiver from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

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Sealants Strategy: Helping Children Access Oral Health Care in Schools

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Sealants Strategy: Helping Children Access Oral Health Care in Schools

We want to celebrate our Sealants Strategy in honor of National Children’s Dental Health Month! Tooth pain and cavities can make kids more likely to miss school and more likely to earn below-average grades. Luckily, Communities in Schools Spokane County and ToothSavers of Washington have partnered with Smile Spokane to provide sealants to kids in elementary schools. When we prevent cavities, kids stay in school, focused on achieving good grades, which supports their long-term success in life.

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IMC Resources Archive (pre-2021)

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2022-23 Behavioral Health Initiatives

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2022-23 Behavioral Health Initiatives

As 2021 closes, BHT still has approximately $1.5 million of IMC funds to allocate. At the September BH Forum, partners discussed how they would like to see us use the IMC funds over the next two years. At the November Board meeting, the Board approved allocation for the remaining IMC funds toward behavioral health initiatives in 2022-23.

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Building Oral Health Equity in Spokane

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Building Oral Health Equity in Spokane

With the global pandemic upon us in early 2021 and the disparities in health care becoming glaringly obvious, Smile Spokane started an equity project in partnership with CHAS Health community health workers (CHW), with the support of the Arcora Foundation. The project focused on the oral health needs of Spokane’s Marshallese community members.

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Diabetes Awareness Month

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November is Diabetes Awareness Month. Good oral health is especially important for people with diabetes, who are 3x more likely to have gum disease. As part of Smile Spokane’s Care Coordination Strategy, Aging and Long Term Care of Eastern Washington connects people with diabetes to oral health providers who take Apple Health Medicaid. Accessing dental services helps people with diabetes manage the health of their mouth.

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October is LGBTQIA+ History Month

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October is LGBTQIA+ History Month, an opportunity to reflect on the work and sacrifice of LGBTQIA+ advocates and leaders that have changed the course of our history for our country and globally.

In 1994 a gay high school teacher, Rodney Wilson, and some LGBTQIA+ community members founded LGBTQIA+ History Month with the hopes of giving LGBTQIA+ kids a chance to learn their history and see themselves represented. National Coming Out Day is also observed on October 11 and is an opportunity for LGBTQIA+ people to speak their truths and be supported.

Since the Stonewall riots, which created the foundation for what we now call Pride Parade,  the fight for equality has come a long way, but we have so much more to do.

In the last few years, we have seen the rights of LGBTQIA+ people attacked locally and nationwide legislatively. Trans athletes have been targeted; the right to access to healthcare, education, and other human rights are being challenged by our courts.

Reflecting on the work of those who fought for justice and equity throughout history is one meaningful way we can remain steadfast in our work as advocates and reflect on LGBTQIA+ history. It reminds us that the fight for equity and inclusion is one of hope.

We hope you’ll join us and take time to learn more about and share your favorite LGBTQIA+ historical figure with your community is a great way to honor LGBTQIA+ History Month.

Resources

Tribal Partners Leadership Council meeting notes & materials

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