WISE — The Health Wagon has been awarded a $50,000 grant to support and expand services at its dental clinic, the organization announced in a press release.
The funding comes through the Health Access Hero Award, a national recognition program sponsored by Sun Life U.S. and DentaQuest. The award honors organizations and individuals who are working to improve access to health care in underserved and high-need communities across the country. The Health Wagon was selected in recognition of its ongoing efforts to deliver essential dental care to vulnerable populations in Central Appalachia.
According to the release, the grant will be used to strengthen services at The Health Wagon’s Owens and Hill Dental Health Clinic. The organization plans to direct the funding toward initiatives that connect oral health with broader wellness goals.
Key areas of focus will include diabetes management, patient education, health awareness, obesity prevention, and nutrition support. These efforts are intended to address the underlying health challenges that often accompany poor oral health.
Dr. Teresa Owens Tyson, president and chief executive officer of The Health Wagon, emphasized the importance of the grant in expanding the clinic’s reach. She noted that oral health plays a critical role in overall health, particularly for individuals living with chronic conditions.
“Oral health is deeply connected to overall health, especially for those managing chronic diseases like diabetes,” Tyson said in the release. “This award allows us to reach even more patients who might otherwise go without care.”
Tyson also highlighted the growing demand for dental services in the region. The clinic’s dental team is currently managing a waitlist of nearly 1,000 patients. Many of those individuals lack insurance or face financial barriers that limit their access to routine and preventive dental care. She said the additional funding will help reduce delays and improve access for patients who have been waiting for treatment.
The Health Wagon’s dental clinic provides a wide range of services, including preventive care, restorative procedures, and emergency dental treatment. These services are offered primarily to uninsured and underinsured residents of Central Appalachia, a region that continues to face significant health disparities and shortages of dental providers.
In addition to patient care, the clinic serves as a clinical training site for university students. This role allows future health professionals to gain hands-on experience while serving a community in need. The program also helps build a pipeline of providers who are familiar with rural health challenges and more likely to work in underserved areas.
The grant is expected to support both immediate patient needs and long-term improvements in care delivery. By expanding services and integrating education and prevention efforts, The Health Wagon aims to improve oral health outcomes and overall quality of life for the communities it serves.
The Health Wagon has long been recognized for its commitment to accessible health care in Central Appalachia. The latest award underscores the continued importance of targeted investment in community-based health services, especially in regions where access to care remains limited.