BLOOMFIELD, Connecticut--The Cigna Foundation has awarded a $25,000 grant to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Phoenix Dental Clinic to help provide comprehensive dental services to low income, uninsured children ages five to 18.
In addition, the Cigna Foundation will donate $1 to support the BGCMP Dental Clinic every time visitors click to commit on Cigna's Facebook page during February 2013, up to $5,000.
“With the support of community partners like the Cigna Foundation, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Phoenix can provide thousands of dental procedures for kids in need and dental education that can impact whole families,” said Amy Gibbons, president and executive director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Phoenix.
"Together, we’re creating a future worth smiling about."
The Cigna Foundation grant is part of Cigna's month-long celebration of National Children’s Dental Health Month. Parents and children can find informative and fun dental health learning tools on cigna.com and Cigna's Facebook page.
A podcast with Dr. Cary Sun, regional dental director for Cigna, explains the stages of a child’s teeth and what parents and caregivers need to know about their care.
The Cigna Foundation grant, which will assist the dental clinic in offering a full range of dental services to underserved children and young adults in Phoenix, helps demonstrate Cigna's commitment to giving people the tools needed to achieve healthier lives.
“Cigna and the Cigna Foundation have an ongoing commitment to improving children’s dental health,” said Gianna Jackson, executive director of the Cigna Foundation.
"We’re excited to join with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Phoenix to help the young people they serve enjoy better personal health by achieving better oral health."
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tooth decay affects children in the United States more than any other chronic infectious disease. Untreated tooth decay causes pain and infections that may lead to problems that can interfere with eating, speaking, playing, and learning.
“It’s very important for parents to set the standard for their children’s oral health,” said Miles Hall, DDS, director for dental at Cigna.
"Taking proper care of baby teeth can protect a child’s smile for a lifetime."
Cigna's Mobile Learning Lab, an 18-wheeler interactive health awareness lab, is visiting different elementary schools in Texas during a week- long dental education tour. Students will learn about the importance of keeping their one-of-a-kind smile healthy.
For more information, visit cigna.com.
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