|
|
|
|
|
American Indian Health seeks to expand free dental care
American Indian Health & Services has been providing quality medical, dental and adjunctive care for Native Americans since 1995. Currently AIH&S is focusing on expanding their dental clinic to help meet the dental needs of all Santa Barbarans.
AIH&S is open from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. They are located in the El Mercado Plaza (4141 State St.). AIH&S looking to you - businesses, foundations and banks - for donations to expand the dental and medical clinic operations. All donations are tax-deductible. Any amount will help. Imagine a child or an adult in pain from a tooth with nowhere to go. A Santa Barbara County study shows half of all adults reporting (under 30) have no dental insurance. The figure is higher for Hispanic people. Help us open our doors to everyone in need, Indians and non-Indians alike.
"We are in need of donations in any amounts from everyone, businesses, individuals and foundations. AIH&S receives no casino revenue. We want to provide affordable services, when you need it. Making a child in pain wait to see a dentist is unacceptable," said Seh (Shay) Welch, executive director.
Dental care is just one of the vital services provided by AIH&S. Other services include health education, family medicine, immunizations, injury prevention, bike helmets, mental health counseling, HIV testing, afterschool youth program, elders services, diabetes education and treatment and transportation.
AIH&S exists to improve the health and general welfare status of American Indians in a way that respects the individual and preserves their culture.
Welch would like concerned citizens to come forward with donations to the agency — assets and planned estate gifts are also welcome.
For more information or to receive services, call 681-7356. |
|
|
American Indians are at a much higher risk than the general public for such health problems as suicide, drug/alcohol use, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. "The grieving goes on and on for our community," Welch said.