This weekend, hundreds of people from across Connecticut convened at Torrington High School for Connecticut Mission of Mercy’s (CT MOM) free dental clinic. STICH AmeriCorps members from health centers across the state volunteered on Thursday, April 19th to set up for the two-day event, which offered free dental care to the general public, from simple annual cleanings to oral surgery. Members spent the day assembling patient chairs and workstations, setting up sterilization equipment, and unpacking dental supplies for the event.

Additionally, STICH AmeriCorps members from StayWell Health Center and Community Health and Wellness Center of Greater Torrington offered health education during the clinic hours on Friday and Saturday, explaining the availability of health center services to patients. Multiple referrals were made to health centers across the state, especially because CT MOM quickly reached maximum capacity throughout the weekend.

One patient described volunteers as “angels” when he left Torrington High after receiving services. That’s what service-- including national service through AmeriCorps-- is all about. Our members offered a hopeful light and glimmer of respect to people who are economically marginalized. And better yet, STICH members and their host site health centers are there full-time, year-round, to continually meet dental and health care needs of people in Connecticut, regardless of age, insurance status or ability to pay.

Have a great week!

Andrew.

Andrew Oravecz, Workforce Development Program Manager