The Radius Community Health and Healing Dental Clinic of Edmonton, Alberta, received a donation from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in April 2024. The donation will support dental services for people who struggle to access care due to health concerns, such as mental illness or addictions; social barriers, such as homelessness or literacy challenges; financial hardship; low annual income or limited access to dental benefits.
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Since the summer of 2023, Radius has served over 1,800 people and provided over 3,800 dental appointments. The Church donation will fund one year of dental supplies for the clinic and the upgrade and purchase of equipment to make the experience more comfortable for patients.
Radius, previously known as the Boyle McCauley Health Centre, was Alberta’s first community-based health centre. Executive Director Tricia Smith stated, “The Radius Community Health and Healing Dental Clinic provides access to compassionate and affordable services for community members who may otherwise go without dental care. … While keeping the social determinants of health at the forefront, the non-profit model ensures that we can take the time necessary to provide trauma-informed oral care and keep fees affordable for all. A very big thank-you to our partners and donors; success is not possible without your support.”
Elder Robert W. Mendenhall, an Area Seventy for the Church, said of the donation, “What a blessing for the Church to help provide needed care for the inner-city residents of Edmonton. This opportunity impacts the health and well-being of our neighbours. It shows our willingness to put into action the invitation to love God by loving our neighbour. Our thanks to the professionals of the Radius Community Health and Healing Dental Clinic for engaging in this most important service.”
Contributed by Bill Warwaryick