RUMFORD — The River Valley Healthy Communities Coalition received a $1,000 grant to support its oral health programs in RSU 10, Executive Director Patricia Duguay said.
The money is from the Bangor Savings Bank Foundation.
“They look at different non-profit organizations in the region and honor them with a $1,000 grant,” Duguay said. “After that, people are allowed to write in or vote for their favorite nonprofits or the ones they feel are doing a good job. Whichever organization gets the most votes receives an additional $5,000. It’s sort of a friendly competition.”
The money will be used to improve awareness of oral health and hygiene.
“Our sealant program has been cut more than 75 percent over the past three years, and this funding will help sustain the program,” Duguay said. “The program is open to all children, but we target children without a dental home. The program also focuses on educating parents on the importance of dental health.”
The program uses professionals to oversee the dental health of students who participate, Duguay said.
“Without the help of the dental hygienists and the assistants, it wouldn’t work out the way it does,” she added.
-
- Heidi Thibeault, left, manager of Bangor Savings Bank in Dixfield, and Greg Gagne, right, manager of Bangor Savings Bank in Rumford, present a $1,000 check to Patricia Duguay, executive director of the River Valley Healthy Communities Coalition. Duguay said the money will be used to support the organization’s oral health program in RSU 10.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
Comments are no longer available on this story