Children’s Volunteer Health Network (CVHN) seeks to enhance the lives of uninsured and underinsured school aged children by facilitating free immediate access to medical, dental, and mental health care. CVHN has two major programs. The Health Care Referral Program receives referrals, usually from school nurses, and facilitates access to providers based on the need of each child. The qualifications to receive services are to be uninsured or underinsured, enrolled in school, and on the free and/or reduced lunch. Our staff member (Client Care Coordinator) works with the school nurses to determine the course of action, then contacts the doctor, dentist, counselor, etc. based on the need of each child. The second program, our Mobile Dental Clinic began in 2008. CVHN acquired a 34’ RV and had it converted into a Mobile Dental Clinic with two dental chairs on board. The bus is named, “Just for Grins” and travels to 7 elementary schools in Walton County providing preventative as well as restorative dental treatments for the children in the 1st- 3rd grade enrolled in the free lunch.

Problem

Walton County is 20% urban and 80% rural with a population of 55,000. Only 15 dentists in Walton County serve this population. Okaloosa County is 88% urban and 12% rural with a population of 178,000. Additionally, the gap is widening between those able to afford healthcare and those who are not. Children insured under Kid Care, the Florida Medicaid program, have serious problems receiving care due to fee cuts (which have discouraged the enrollment of physicians).

Solution

We provide free and immediate services for children who would otherwise fall through the cracks. We have a network of over 90 providers who agree to see the child for no cost. Most of the children are seen until their pressing problem has been alleviated.

Example

The Health Care Referral Program Process: 1. The child presents a health issue to the school nurse, teacher or the administrative staff. 2. The child’s needs are assessed and the parent is called. If the parent states they are unable to provide the necessary treatment because of financial issues, the school nurse (or other school staff) checks to see if the child meets the eligibility requirement. 3. If the/she does, the nurse gives the parent CVHN’s referral forms to fill out. 4. After the paperwork is completed, the nurse faxes it to CVHN. 5. Once paperwork is received, CVHN’s Client Care Coordinator reviews the information, and then contacts one of the providers to schedule an appointment for the child. 6. The Coordinator then calls the parent and confirms they are able to take the child to the appointment. 7. If any follow up appointments or specialty appointments are needed, the provider contacts CVHN with recommendations and CVHN will facilitate the necessary care. Mobile Dental Bus Process: 1. The Program Manager receives names of children enrolled on the free lunch. 2. Forms for treatment are sent home for the families to fill out for dental services. 3. The dental hygienists and dentist take x-rays and do comprehensive exams on the children to determine who has the most pressing need. 4. Child comes to the bus to receive cleaning, sealants, fillings and/or any other dental care.

Marketplace

Our challenge at CVHN is the same challenge facing all organizations across the state of Florida whose goals are to strengthen Florida’s Dental Safety Net by providing for the underinsured populations: working to attract more dentists to our area. Walton County has only 16 dentists in the entire county. Even if every one of these dentists donated appointments through CVHN we would still have children who are waiting too long to get dental care. DentaQuest Foundation President, Ralph Fuccillo advocates a systems change approach to improving oral health. He states that “progress in addressing oral health disparities requires the support and engagement of the entire community”.