New York State Dental Foundation Distributes $25,000 to Address Oral Health Care Needs in New York City

The New York State Dental Foundation has distributed $25,000 to three New York City hospitals to address oral health care needs for uninsured or underserved children. The funding is made possible by a generous bequest from Ms. Evangeline Lata, a native New Yorker whose brother was a Manhattan dentist.
 
The Gleason Legacy Circle was established earlier this year for consideration in legacy planning. Ms. Lata, who passed away in December 2020 prior to the creation of the Gleason Legacy Circle, instructed her executor to select an oral health organization treating the underserved. The New York State Dental Foundation is exceptionally grateful for being selected based on its dedication to expanding access to oral health care for vulnerable populations across the state.
 
“We are humbled that the Lata family has entrusted our organization with such a special gift. We felt that the funding should be used to support the wellbeing of our children,” said Dr. Maria Maranga, Foundation Trustee Chair. “When you include the New York State Dental Foundation in your legacy plans, you become a crucial ally for the future, ensuring a healthier and more vibrant community for generations to come.”

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The Foundation recently distributed the $25,000 to:
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• Family Health Centers at NYU Langone’s Dental School Health Program, serving some of the most disadvantaged children in New York City. The funding will be used to purchase headpieces for general dentists, pediatric dentists and registered dental hygienists to provide preventative and restorative dental care at school-based dental clinics. This care helps prioritize the oral health of underserved NYC children by reducing barriers and increasing access to comprehensive dental care with an emphasis on prevention and oral health education.

 

• Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, whose dentists treat a diverse population of pediatric patients who face significant disparities, many of whom have no history of a dental home. In 2023, 88% of the pediatric patients treated at JHMC utilized Medicaid coverage. The funding will allow JHMC staff to implement technology solutions, such as educational videos in various languages, to increase educational opportunities for patients and their families.

 

• St. Barnabas Hospital, which has been providing school-based dental health services in Bronx elementary, middle and high schools for more than 25 years. The hospital, which has been delivering health care to Bronx residents since 1866, is an independent, nonprofit, safety net institution. The funding will allow the hospital to purchase portable dental equipment and augment programmatic activities, including the distribution of toothbrushes, toothpaste and dental floss to students.

 
The Gleason Legacy Circle is named after Dr. G. Kirk Gleason, former chair of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees and the first dentist to notify the Foundation of his bequest intentions. Planned giving helps to support the Foundation’s long-term mission to improving the oral health of all New Yorkers for future generations.