Page 1 - Stuart Exposure - 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 concern, as poor oral health can lead to a range of serious include over 60 independent dental offices statewide, The
to improve veteran dental health and mental issues, placing more burdens on our Stiles-Nicholson Foundation, Nobel Biocare, and Quantum
care throughout the state military members who already face challenges when Foundation.
of Florida, the Wounded transitioning back to civilian life. “We are thrilled to be the first organization in the state
Veterans Relief Fund The connection between poor dental hygiene and to provide this much-needed service to veterans,” Durkee
(WVRF) is the first nonprofit mental health issues is evident. According to the American said. “We believe that every veteran deserves access to
in the state to lead the Academy of Family Physicians, 60 percent of veterans with quality dental care, and we are committed to working with
statewide effort to offer mental health conditions have fair to poor oral health, with our partners to make this a reality.”
free critical dental care to 33 percent finding it difficult to eat due to dental issues. WVRF has already funded $332,419.74 in veteran dental
veterans who are unable to afford dental care and do not Poor oral health affects veterans’ overall health, including support in 2023 and has donated over $1 million to veteran
have access to care through the United States Department their mental health. According to the VA, up to 50 percent dental care since the start of the program in 2021. Florida
of Veterans Affairs (VA) or private insurance. of veterans returning from Afghanistan and Iraq have State House Bill 635: Dental Services for Veterans was
According to the VA, only 15 percent of veterans receive been diagnosed with a mental health disorder associated approved and signed by the Florida Governor, and now can
VA dental care, which places veterans into benefits classes with substance use disorders (SUDS), and 63 percent with give this Florida nonprofit the needed funding in order to
based on military service history and current health and SUDS also met the criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder extend its dental program to a larger number of qualified
living situations. Specific benefits are assigned to each (PTSD). With the increasing number of veterans suffering
class, meaning not all veterans may receive comprehensive from mental health disorders, the VA reports approximately Wounded Veterans Relief Fund on page 4
dental care. Only veterans who are 100 percent disabled or 17 veterans die by suicide every day.
sustained an oral injury while serving are given dental care This veteran-led nonprofit is filling in the gaps when it
at the VA. comes to veteran dental care by partnering with oral health Helping People
WVRF Executive Director and Army Veteran Michael professionals and clinics across the state to provide veterans
Durkee said the low VA dental care statistic is a critical with access to the critical dental care they deserve. Partners
The Children’s Museum Of The Treasure Succeed’s Annual

Coast Welcomes George Sanders Meeting Celebrates

The Children’s Museum the Explorer’s Gallery with a Successful Year
of the Treasure Coast is new Flight Simulator exhibit
proud to announce that and Submarine exhibit, and By Jackie Holfelder
George Sanders has joined building a new Science The annual meeting of Helping People Succeed is
the Board of Directors. Center and Planetarium. always filled with business, good news and recognition of
Sanders, a Virginia Tech “The Children’s Museum key people who have continued to make the nonprofit the
and Nova Southeastern is thrilled to welcome George vital organization it has been for more than half a century.
University graduate, joins Sanders to the leadership This year’s June 28 version was no exception.
the Board of Directors after team and Board of Directors. Suzy Hutcheson, president/CEO, provided details
retiring from a finance and George’s experience, talents of a successful year and the accomplishments of the
accounting career where a and forward thinking will Baby Steps, Behavioral Health Services, Community
majority of his skills were help launch the museum Connections and Employment Options, Healthy Families
based on investigations, into its next chapter, ” said programs as well as the administrative, fiscal and
leadership and financial responsibility. Sanders is also a Tammy Calabria, the Children’s Museum of the Treasure technology departments and the work of the Helping
long-term resident of Martin County with his wife, Deborah Coast’s executive director. People Succeed Foundation.
Sanders, and three children, Zack, Lexi, and Josh. About The Children’s Museum Of The Treasure Coast
Sanders’ resume also includes his service on other The mission of The Children’s Museum of the Treasure
community boards such as the PTA of Palm City Elementary, Coast is to offer children and families a place to explore and
serving as president and treasurer; Boy Scouts of America learn through hands-on activities, educational programs
Troop 822, serving as scoutmaster and assistant den leader; and cultural experiences. The museum opened in 2008 and
and the vice president of the Homeowners Association of serves almost 50,000 visitors each year at its Indian Riverside
Hammock Creek. Park location. The Children’s Museum is an inspiring
Sanders joins The Children’s Museum with guidance and physical space and dynamic mobile outreach delivering
expertise as the museum launches a new vision: completing exceptional educational and experiential opportunities
for all children and adults;
captivating imaginations
and developing real-world
skills through playful
learning experiences. If you
would like to get involved
or learn more about the Suzy Hutcheson, Ann Berner, Ann Mehling and Janet Cooper
museum, including special
events, please visit www. Helping People Succeed’s Annual Meeting on page 3
childrensmuseumtc.org.