Thursday, January 21, 2010

A new name for a great service

The name might be changing, but the dedication to children is only getting better. Many of you are probably familiar with our program called Health Reach. It’s been around since 1996, and the employees who run it have countless heart-warming stories about the children touched by their efforts to keep them healthy and in school.

Due to some internal Tuomey changes in structure, and the way the program is funded, we have to change the name. It will now be called Care Reach. But for folks in the community, that’s about the only thing you’ll notice that’s changing. Chris Watson is still going to run the program for us – and when it comes to caregivers, they don’t come with a bigger, more compassionate heart than Chris.

It’s such a tremendous program! They connect children in Sumter and Lee counties with the medical and dental care they need. And in case you’re wondering, Care Reach has no generated income and no billable services, nor does it ever charge a child for care. In 2007 alone, Tuomey spent more than $260,000 serving children through this program.

Protecting the health of our children, regardless of their family's financial capabilities, is the sole purpose of Care Reach. This program stretches deep into the heart of Sumter and Lee counties and connects children with the doctors and dentists they need. Typically, these children are referred by school nurses and have problems that could affect educational outcomes. The nurses and providers in the program take a holistic approach to helping children, including enrolling them in Medicaid and addressing their behavioral issues, as well as their physical health problems.

Sometimes, as Chris has explained to me so many times, one cavity can turn into many more, and then there’s the oral surgery they’ll need or the additional visits to check out issues now related to their gums. And if your teeth hurt, you are not going to learn. It’s that simple.

It’s an incredible program that has served our community for more than a decade, and one that we feel should continue. When you’re helping thousands of children – more than 3,000 in the first decade – it’s a program you need to support. And we’re doing our part to make a difference in the lives of children.

If you need more information on Care Reach, or would like to help support the program – call Chris Watson at 774-9009. You’ll be proud of the work they do!

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