HealthLink Dental Clinic, 1775 Street Road, Southampton, announced its Sept. 26 virtual fundraiser raised more than $20,000, with additional donors expected to send contributions over the next several weeks.
“This was a wonderful event in so many ways,” said Jenny Salisbury, the organization’s major gifts officer. “We know the clinic is making a difference for a lot of people in Bucks and Montgomery counties, and it is gratifying to see the community realizes this fact and is willing to support us. Without them there would be no HealthLink.”
In 2019, more than 2,880 patient appointments were recorded and 2,225 local adults received no-cost dental care. While last year’s expenses were $462,851, the value of those services was $859,472.
During the fundraiser, Dr. Bernard Dishler, HealthLink’s board president, presented the organization’s three annual awards to deserving volunteers and program backers. Additionally, three HealthLink patients talked about how they discovered HealthLink, their personal experiences, and the warm and friendly atmosphere they found at the facility. One of the patients commented on the exceptional service they were provided.
“From the moment we stepped through the front door, we were made to feel welcome and appreciated,” said Leon Vanderhall, a U.S. Army Veteran. “Visits are never awkward or frustrating. The people there really care, and it shows in everything they do.”
“By all the measures we have looked at, this fundraiser was much more than a simple, once and done, event. With the state of our world today, we have been overwhelmed by the community’s generosity and genuine concern,” said Raquel Braemer, executive director. “We began preparing for the event last spring when COVID-19 was on the top of everyone’s mind, and we were facing hurricanes and floods in the south and wildfires were raging in the west. Yet with all of that happening around us, residents were focused on our community and the fact that a good percentage of their neighbors simply cannot afford good dental care. The support we receive speaks volumes about the wonderful people who live and work in Bucks and Montgomery counties. Their continuing support allows us to spread smiles across miles.”
The standalone dental clinic provides no-cost preventive and restorative dental care to low-income working adults and military veterans. Services include oral examinations, X-rays, fillings, dental hygiene treatments, extractions, root canals, and patient education programs. The clinic offers its care Monday through Friday, with evening hours on Tuesday and Thursday.
Donations and volunteers are needed, and new patients are welcome. Those interested should visit healthlinkdental.org or call 215-364-4247.
