Buffalo, NY – Neighborhood Health Center of WNY is pleased to announce funding in the amount of $60,000 from Delta Dental Community Care Foundation, the nation’s largest dental plan system, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Health Center’s efforts to protect the health and safety of Neighborhood Health Center dental patients and staff. More specifically, this funding will be used to purchase new dental equipment and provide financial support for patients who rely on the Health Center’s Sliding Fee Discount Program.

As the Neighborhood Health Center dental practice prepares to reopen at full capacity, grant funding for much needed dental equipment in the wake of COVID-19 will ensure the continuation of the highest quality dental care for all patients, while protecting dental staff as they return to work. 

“We extend many thanks to the Delta Dental Community Care Foundation for this grant that has been awarded in direct response to the added stress that many patients and staff are experiencing in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Joanne Haefner, Chief Executive Officer for Neighborhood Health Center. “There remains a dire need for dental care in our community, and especially at this critical time, we are thankful for our funders and partners for working with us as we create innovative solutions to ensure continued access to care.”

The dental equipment provision through the grant will include dental air compressors and suction units to assist with air purification, as well as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for frontline dental staff including jackets, masks, gloves and disposable eye shields. The financial assistance component of the grant will also help to extend the Health Center’s mission of providing affordable dental access to all by offering a generous Sliding Fee Discount Program to patients who qualify.

“We understand the significant strain this pandemic has put on health and dental clinics that serve vulnerable populations,” said Kenzie Ferguson, vice president of foundation and corporate social responsibility for Delta Dental of California and its affiliates. “We are proud to be able to support Neighborhood Health Center as it works to safely reopen at full capacity and provide vital care to those that need it most.”

Neighborhood Health Center has been the region’s leading primary care safety-net provider for more than 30 years and provides high-quality medical, dental, pharmacy, nutritional and behavioral health services to all Western New Yorkers, regardless of ability to pay.

Neighborhood Health Center is the primary care home to more than 27,000 Western New Yorkers.