Advocacy
The Virginia Oral Health Coalition partners work together to educate legislators and other policy makers about the importance of excellent oral health and to guide policy decisions that affect oral health access throughout the Commonwealth and nation. The links to the left guide you through the Coalition’s advocacy efforts as they relate to state policy and implementation of the Affordable Care Act (Health Reform) in Virginia.
Governor McDonnell released his budget for 2013-2014; it contains huge cuts to dental safety net clinics. Among his cuts:
- Elimination of all State-supported Dental Programs: Virginia Health Department dental clinics had over 37,000 patient visits last year, almost all of which were for children.
- Decreased Support of the Safety Net: Funding for the by Virginia Association of Free Clinics, Virginia Community Healthcare Association and Virginia Health Care Foundation was cut by 50% in 2014. Community-based safety net clinics had well over 100,000 dental visits last year.
- Decreased Support of MOM Projects: Decrease in funding by 2% in 2013
Check our Virginia Legislature page for more information and current legislative updates.
If you are interested in joining the Virginia Oral Health Coalition’s advocacy efforts and receiving legislative updates, please join our mailing list.
