Karis Community Health has been named a 2025 Health Access Hero Award recipient by Sun Life U.S. and DentaQuest, receiving a $100,000 grant to expand dental care services in and beyond Bradley County. The annual awards honor nonprofits and individuals improving access to health services for underserved communities.
Since 2015, Karis Community Health—originally Karis Dental—has provided over $13 million in dental services. The organization, which began as a faith-based clinic addressing adult dental care gaps, has broadened its mission to include medical care, chronic disease management, and health education.
The new grant will support expansion into underserved areas, including Polk County, where more than 2,300 residents lacked health insurance in 2024.
“This grant is helping close a huge gap we’ve been trying to fill for a long time,” said Executive Director and cofounder Kelly Ohlsson. “Our services are needed in Polk County and beyond, but our capacity was maxed out. This grant is an answer to a prayer and a dream come true for the community.”
Healthcare access remains a pressing challenge in the U.S., and grassroots programs like Karis Community Health play a vital role in addressing local needs. The Health Access Hero Awards highlight initiatives that tackle systemic healthcare barriers, from oral health to chronic disease management.
“Sun Life and DentaQuest are committed to expanding care through initiatives that make a real impact at the local level,” said Dr. Todd Gray, chief dental officer for Sun Life U.S. “Karis Community Health is bringing life-changing dentistry to communities in need, and we’re proud to help amplify their impact.”
The awards feature two tracks: grants for community health programs and recognition of individuals who advance healthcare access. Individual honorees also receive $10,000 to donate to a charity of their choice. To date, the Health Access Hero Awards have provided over $3.5 million in grants and recognized more than 130 individuals nationwide.