PA Gotbaum: Save the Oral Health Program

Yesterday, Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum rallied with members of the Doctors Council SEIU to protest the closing of the Oral Health Program (OHP). For over a hundred years, some of New York's neediest children have received care in school and community-based clinics through OHP. But funding for OHP has been cut during the past several years, and OHP clinics were officially targeted for elimination in Mayor Bloomberg's preliminary budget for fiscal year 2010. Unfortunately, a report released by the Office of the Public Advocate found that there are few alternatives available for the families that benefit from OHP. At the rally, Gotbaum said: 

"It makes little sense to close a low-cost program that provides much-needed dental services for the most vulnerable children. This program is part of our safety net, and DOHMH must maintain it. With new leadership at DOHMH in Dr. Thomas Farley, it's time for OHP to be given a second look. I call on Dr. Farley to work with the City Council to reverse de-funding of the Oral Health Program."

Comments

[cosmetic dentist in los angeles]

Nice program, we are all known that oral health is very important to all of us so its better we maintain the good oral health,and a program like this will have a big helped.

by: florence

[Meg Harrison]

Shame on Mayor Bloomberg and Dr.Frieden of The DOHMH for destroying the 100 year old Oral Health Progam which helped the neediest of children.

[Steven Feinstein DDS]

There is no funding for the Oral Health Program in next years budget. Children that have depended on this valuable program for decades will suffer from the loss of services provided by this program that will not be replaced. In spite of support from Betsy Gotbaum, various city council members. the American Dental Association, and the New York State Dental Association, the program has been permanently terminated. Shame on Mayor Bloomberg, the City Council and Health Department officials. Its a dark day for children's oral health.

[Los Angeles Cosmetic Dentist]

Well it's not the end of having a healthy smile for the children without OHP, I know there will be a good alternative for this one.