Tooth decay remains one of the most common chronic infectious diseases among U.S. children – five times as common as asthma and seven times as common as hay fever.Recently released data for Illinois shows 55% of third graders have some tooth decay; 30% with significant decay.Among low income children, tooth decay is more prevalent: 64% of third graders in the free/reduced-price lunch program have tooth decay, compared with 46% of those not in the program.In response to statistics like these and others, the Illinois Children's Healthcare Foundation launched a major initiative aimed at improving the health of vulnerable Illinois children by expanding their access to oral health services.
The mission of the initiative:
All children have access to quality oral health services in their communities and a new culture of awareness exists throughout the state about the interconnection of oral health and overall health.
In 2007, The Foundation began investing in targeted efforts designed to increase the access children have to oral health services. These efforts can be grouped into three key strategies:
Building the Capacity of the Safety Net System
Increasing the Workforce/Workforce Development
Public Education/Awareness
Through 2009, the Foundation has invested over $12.5 million dollars in its Oral Health Initiative. This investment has made it possible for approximately 100,000 children throughout the State of Illinois have access to quality oral health care.
Illinois Children's Healthcare Foundation, 1200 Jorie Boulevard, Suite 301, Oak Brook, IL 60523 (p) 630.571.2555 (f) 630.571.2566