Page 1 - Martin Downs Bulletin - August '23

VOL. 25 NO. 8 www.seabreezepublications.com AUGUST 2023

Wounded Veterans Relief Fund Leads Statewide Effort To

Provide Dental Care To Veterans In Florida

Driven by their mission of Family Physicians, 60 percent of veterans with mental
to improve veteran dental health conditions have fair to poor oral health, with 33 percent
care throughout the state of finding it difficult to eat due to dental issues. Poor oral health
Florida, the Wounded Veterans affects veterans’ overall health, including their mental health.
Relief Fund (WVRF) is the first According to the VA, up to 50 percent of veterans returning
nonprofit in the state to lead the from Afghanistan and Iraq have been diagnosed with a mental
statewide effort to offer free health disorder associated with substance use disorders (SUDS),
critical dental care to veterans and 63 percent with SUDS also met the criteria for post-
who are unable to afford dental care and do not have access traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). With the increasing number of
to care through the United States Department of Veterans veterans suffering from mental health disorders, the VA reports
Affairs (VA) or private insurance. approximately 17 veterans die by suicide every day.
According to the VA, only 15 percent of veterans receive This veteran-led nonprofit is filling in the gaps when
VA dental care, which places veterans into benefits classes Before After it comes to veteran dental care by partnering with oral
based on military service history and current health and health professionals and clinics across the state to provide
living situations. Specific benefits are assigned to each class, concern, as poor oral health can lead to a range of serious veterans with access to the critical dental care they
meaning not all veterans may receive comprehensive dental health and mental issues, placing more burdens on our deserve. Partners include over 60 independent dental
care. Only veterans who are 100 percent disabled or sustained military members who already face challenges when offices statewide, The Stiles-Nicholson Foundation, Nobel
an oral injury while serving are given dental care at the VA. transitioning back to civilian life. Biocare, and Quantum Foundation.
WVRF Executive Director and Army Veteran Michael The connection between poor dental hygiene and mental
Durkee said the low VA dental care statistic is a critical health issues is evident. According to the American Academy Wounded Veterans Relief Fund on page 6
Helping People Succeed’s

Annual Meeting Celebrates Successful Year

By Jackie Holfelder accomplishments of the Baby Steps, Behavioral Health
The annual meeting of Services, Community Connections and Employment
Helping People Succeed Options, Healthy Families programs as well as the
is always filled with administrative, fiscal and technology departments and
business, good news and the work of the Helping People Succeed Foundation.
recognition of key people A new Governing Board of Directors was approved.
who have continued to • Chair – Heidi Bosley
make the nonprofit the vital • Vice chair – Michael Borlaug
organization it has been for • Secretary – Rosie Portera
more than half a century. • Treasurer – Tom Campenni
This year’s June 28 Suzy Hutcheson and Mary • Members – Candie Abbott, David Dees, Allen
version was no exception. Kay Buckridge Herskowitz, Leah Suarez
Suzy Hutcheson, president/ Suzy Hutcheson, Claire Nash, Mary Rose Bressman and
CEO, provided details of a successful year and the Glenna Parris Helping People Succeed’s Annual Meeting on page 3
The Children’s Museum Of The Treasure Coast

Welcomes George Sanders

The Children’s Museum based on investigations, launches a new vision: completing the Explorer’s Gallery
of the Treasure Coast is proud leadership and financial with a new Flight Simulator exhibit and Submarine exhibit,
to announce that George responsibility. Sanders is and building a new Science Center and Planetarium.
Sanders has joined the Board also a long-term resident of “The Children’s Museum is thrilled to welcome George
of Directors. Martin County with his wife, Sanders to the leadership team and Board of Directors.
Sanders, a Virginia Tech Deborah Sanders, and three George’s experience, talents and forward thinking will help
and Nova Southeastern children, Zack, Lexi, and Josh. launch the museum into its next chapter, ” said Tammy
University graduate, joins Sanders’ resume also Calabria, the Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast’s
the Board of Directors after includes his service on executive director.
retiring from a finance and other community boards About The Children’s Museum Of The Treasure Coast
accounting career where a such as the PTA of Palm The mission of The Children’s Museum of the Treasure
majority of his skills were City Elementary, serving Coast is to offer children and families a place to explore and
as president and treasurer; learn through hands-on activities, educational programs and
Boy Scouts of America Troop cultural experiences. The museum opened in 2008 and serves
822, serving as scoutmaster almost 50,000 visitors each year at its Indian Riverside Park
and assistant den leader; location. The Children’s Museum is an inspiring physical
and the vice president of the space and dynamic mobile outreach delivering exceptional
Homeowners Association of educational and experiential opportunities for all children and
Hammock Creek. adults; captivating imaginations and developing real-world
Sanders joins The Children’s skills through playful learning experiences. If you would like
Museum with guidance and to get involved or learn more about the museum, including
expertise as the museum special events, please visit www.childrensmuseumtc.org.