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In an ongoing effort to positively impact the state's oral health, Delta Dental Plan of New Jersey Foundation, Inc. (Delta Dental) recently made a donation to the Ocean Health Initiatives clinic, located on Second Street in Lakewood. Delta Dental's grants have supported the clinic by funding dental supplies and increasing and enhancing its dental services since 2001.
In addition to offering dental care, Ocean Health Initiatives provides adult internal medicine, pediatric and OB-GYN services to thousands of people--ranging from newborns to seniors--who are otherwise unable to afford a visit to the doctor or dentist. The clinic is also expanding its services to include behavioral health and podiatry care, beginning this September.
"Ocean Health Initiatives is such a valuable resource for this community. It is exactly the type of organization that our Foundation looks to support because they make a difference in so many lives each and every day," said Diane Belle, vice president, Delta Dental Plan of New Jersey Foundation, Inc.
Several Ocean Health Initiatives staff members are bilingual, which is helpful for the significant number of Hispanic patients who rely on the clinic for healthcare. Their downtown location also makes the clinic accessible for patients without a car or the means to afford public transportation.
Ocean Health Initiatives was originally part of the Kimball Medical Center, an acute care hospital serving Ocean County, until cuts in Medicaid and Medicare prompted directors to research alternatives. "We decided that we could expand our services and reach even more individuals by becoming a federally funded independent clinic," said Dr. Theresa Berger, executive director. In December 2003, the clinic began to operate independently, and in March 2003 they received federally qualified health center (FQHC) status.
"Government funding, as well as the corporate support we receive from companies such as Delta Dental, has allowed us to increase our hours, offer new services and receive enhanced reimbursements to help more patients get the medical attention they need," Dr. Berger said.
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