Molina Healthcare of Nebraska Donates $40,000 Toward New Dental Facility for Individuals Experiencing Homelessness
Media Contact: Ben Jackey, Ben.Jackey@molinahealthcare.com, (502) 377-9484
OMAHA, Neb., Dec. 9, 2024 – Molina Healthcare of Nebraska (“Molina”) donated $40,000 to help Open Door Mission incorporate emergency dental care within its free Health and Wellness Clinic. Last year, over 150 patients who visited the clinic were identified as having a dental need as the primary reason for their visit. Once constructed, the clinic would address the need for emergency dental care in the form of exams, fillings, extractions and cleanings with the help of volunteer dental providers.
Multiple studies have shown a high prevalence of tooth loss and oral pain among homeless adults. Dental health problems in homeless individuals with serious mental disorders are associated with chronic diseases. Researchers recommend integrating behavioral, medical, and dental health care. Molina’s donation will allow the clinic to provide integrated care to its guests, students, and residents of Open Door Mission’s shelter.
“Molina is committed to reducing health inequities and we are proud to support an effort to eliminate barriers to care,” said Frank Clepper, plan president for Molina Healthcare of Nebraska. “The Health and Wellness Clinic has a long history of improving health outcomes for those they serve, and we are pleased to fund its next phase of growth, addressing critical dental needs.”
Last year, Open Door Mission provided 185,344 nights of safe shelter and served 1.8 million meals. The clinic served 8,665 people, reducing the burden on local hospitals and emergency rooms. In July 2022, the clinic received a Gold Rating from the NAFC Quality Standards program.
“Molina’s gift supports Open Door Mission’s Health and Wellness Clinic to address the critical health needs of our guests experiencing homelessness,” said Candace Gregory, president and CEO of Open Door Mission. “The expanded program being established will provide a much-needed means to address the substantial oral health issues which greatly affect the overall health of those who are experiencing homelessness. We are grateful for this partnership as we strive to serve in Nebraska and southwest Iowa.”
Open Door Mission is still accepting donations for the dental facility. No date has been set for the beginning of construction. Donations can be made by visiting OpenDoorMission.org.
About Molina Healthcare of Nebraska
Molina Healthcare of Nebraska, Inc., provides government-funded, quality health care, serving members through the Medicaid program in Nebraska. Molina Healthcare, Inc., a Fortune 500 company, provides managed health care services under the Medicaid and Medicare programs, and through state insurance marketplaces. For more information about Molina Healthcare, please visit MolinaHealthcare.com.
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