DES PLAINES, Illinois--The latest US census shows that more than eight million children are without health insurance. In Lake County alone, one of the wealthiest counties in the country, more than 30 percent of the population, or 180,000 people, are uninsured or under-insured, according to the Lake County Health Department.
In its continued commitment to the community, Gendex donated radiographic equipment to the HealthReach Mundelein, Ill., clinic. With the facility now
functioning in its newly renovated structure, more dentists are able to volunteer to provide greatly needed dental services to many Lake County residents who are uninsured or under-insured.
The clinic began years ago as the Open Door, an organization that provided basic medical exams and donated clothing to residents in need. In 2005, Dr. Lee Bomgaars, local pediatric dentist, began performing visual dental exams at the Open Door with a flashlight, the only dental service at the time.
In 2006, the clinic got a real boost when Ann Nowak, a local dental hygienist,
used her $1,000-gift charity card from Oprah Winfrey to jump start what became a frenzy of donations of used dental equipment and much-needed supplies. As the word spread, there were more donations, and soon Dr. Bomgaars was able to expand the center's dental services.
In 2007, HealthReach, Inc. took over for the Open Door. In the last year--with grants, financial gifts, donations of new and used equipment, services, and supplies from Abbott Laboratories, Gendex and other dental companies, dental organizations, and private dental professionals--the 'dental' side of the facility has now become equipped with operatories as well as a fully functional sterilization area.
Along with Dr. Bomgaars, there are now more volunteer dentists and axillaries providing a variety of dental services for a greater number of patients, both children and adults.
"Considering current population surveys show that 13.4 percent of all children in Illinois are uninsured, the need for the not-for-profit operation in Lake County was clearly evident," said Nina Likins, senior marketing manager of Gendex Dental Systems. "Gendex was proud to help the center by delivering the expert DC for the radiographic needs of its patients. It's one way our company could give back to our local community."
HealthReach, Inc. is a not-for-profit enterprise committed to improving the physical health of Lake County's low income, medically underserved individuals, and families by providing a broad range of medical, dental, and pharmaceutical services, as well as health education.
For more information, visit HealthReach. Learn more at Gendex.
To read more about Gendex and its products, go to Gendex.
