FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Denise O’Connell, MSW, LCSW, CCM, CCP
Associate Director, Lunder-Dineen Health Education Alliance of Maine
doconnell3@mgh.harvard.edu; 207-805-7709
The inaugural virtual program, Advocating for Change: Older Adults and Oral Health Care, offered at no cost, welcomes experts and citizens from five states who will discuss breaking down barriers to oral health care
BANGOR, Maine – On Tuesday, April 27 Lunder-Dineen Health Education Alliance of Maine at Massachusetts General Hospital and the Jon C. Burr Foundation will co-sponsor an inaugural virtual program titled Advocating for Change: Older Adults and Oral Health from 4-5:30 p.m. EDT at no cost.
Five states will convene in this effort to raise awareness about the oral health-total health connection and health disparities and inequities faced by older adults. Key participants include a multi-state host committee of diverse experts on older adult health and oral health issues from Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Oklahoma and Virginia.
Featured speakers/panelists include two nationally recognized champions that will speak on the importance of oral health as total health in older adults and Medicare-eligible adults with disabilities:
“Poor oral health is not a normal part of healthy aging,” said Lunder-Dineen Associate Director Denise O’Connell, LCSW. “Routine care can prevent more costly care, but access to oral health care is a major personal and public health barrier for older adults, especially those on fixed incomes, across the nation. In the spirit of Lunder-Dineen’s ongoing commitment to collaboration and education to improve health care, we welcome all to join us in this important and timely conversation to learn more about the connection and to consider steps to improve care for all.”
As part of the program, participants will view the Burr Foundation documentary, Hidden Pain: America’s Oral Health Crisis, followed by a short presentation by the speakers and audience Q&A. The panel discussion paired with audience participation aims to build awareness, educate, and generate ideas to promote equality and justice in the health care system.
To join the program being offered at no cost, join on Zoom (Webinar ID: 899 8230 8463) via computer, tablet or smartphone. Learn more about Advocating for Change: Older Adults and Oral Health Care here.
