EFFINGHAM — Effingham Catholic Charities and HSHS St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital are cooperating in a couple of programs to benefit the health of area residents.
A dental voucher program is available for adults 18 years and older who are underinsured or uninsured and in need of an emergent tooth extraction. Residents of Effingham, Jasper, Cumberland, Fayette, Clay and Shelby counties are eligible for the program.
A patient is initially referred to Catholic Charities by a physician, dentist or by self-referral. Catholic Charities works with the patient to verify program eligibility prior to a dental voucher being issued. The dental voucher covers expenses related to an initial exam and x-ray by a dentist, followed by a tooth extraction if necessary. Each patient is allowed two dental exams, for evaluation of tooth pain and one tooth extraction, each year.
This program was developed as a result of the community health needs assessment St. Anthony's conducted in 2011 in partnership with the Alliance for a Healthier Effingham County and Jasper Steering Committee. Survey results related to oral health and access to dental care indicated 27 percent of Effingham County respondents had not visited a dentist within the past year. Those at lower income levels were less likely to report having seen a dentist in the last year.
The program began in 2014. More information is available by contacting Effingham Catholic Charities at (217) 857-1458 or HSHS St. Anthony's website at stanthonyshospital.org.
Diabetes program
Also in partnership with Catholic Charities, HSHS St. Anthony's offers a free community program for people with diabetes. Clients can meet with a registered dietitian that will assist them in obtaining the necessary resources to manage their disease. The free program enables people to get help with healthy food options, medication costs, free blood sugar testing supplies and lifestyle changes. Clients will partner with the dietitian and work toward goals to improve their health.
For additional information or to schedule an appointment, contact Bonnie Kruse, RD, St. Anthony's Clinical Nutrition Services at (217) 347-1288. HSHS St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital is part of the Southern Illinois division of Hospital Sisters Health System.