United Concordia, Davis Vision Provide Dental and Vision Outreach Program
As part of the company's outreach initiative, United Concordia, a national dental insurer, has partnered with Davis Vision and the Transport Workers Union Local 234 to provide free dental and vision screenings to local elementary school children.
Philadelphia, PA, November 08, 2008 --(PR.com)-- United Concordia, Davis Vision and the Women’s Committee of Transport Workers Union (TWU) 234 will join forces on Saturday, November 15 to promote healthy smiles and vision for Philadelphia-area children. Beginning at 11 a.m. and continuing until 2 p.m., a free clinic will offer dental screenings, vision screenings and prescription eyeglasses for children.
For every American without health insurance (almost 47 million), there are two without dental coverage (over 108 million). For the uninsured, dental care has become an out-of-reach luxury rather than part of one’s primary health care. United Concordia is taking a step in combating chronic pain and dental disease by providing children with the opportunity to receive a screening by a licensed dentist as well as a referral to a local clinic willing to provide free follow-up care.
“Oral disease is a growing epidemic in the United States. If left untreated, dental decay can cause pain, loss of time from work and lower self-esteem.” says Harlon L. Robinson, United Concordia corporate vice president of Human Resources and Administration and Cultural Diversity chairman. “As recognition of the importance oral health increases, so must corporate initiatives aimed at improving access to dental care. United Concordia is dedicated to being a catalyst for positive change in the areas we work and live. Through our community outreach programs, we strive to ensure everyone has the opportunity to see a dentist no matter what their insurance situation may be.”
"Taking care of one's eyesight is important, and the examinations that we will provide on Nov. 15 will determine if some of the students need additional eye care or vision correction," said Joseph Wende, O.D., Davis Vision senior vice president of Professional Affairs and Quality Management. "By evaluating the vision and eye health of these children, we can initiate care for those in need immediately, helping to correct or prevent conditions that might negatively affect their vision, general health or educational abilities."
“TWU Local 234 members understand the value of having good health benefits including dental and vision benefits,” says Allison Cooper, vice president of Local 234 and the chair of the TWU Local 234 Women’s Committee. “We also understand the need to reach out into the community and help those in need who don’t have easy access to these kids of benefits. That is why our Women’s Committee and our Union are pleased to participate in this important community outreach. This is just one more example of how our Union supports the communities we serve in the Philadelphia Region.”
Healthy snacks will be provided, and children who visit the dentist will receive education on proper dental techniques and oral health care from a hygienist. United Concordia network dentists and their staff, University of Pennsylvania dental students, and Davis Vision staff will volunteer their time to bring this community service to Philadelphia-area students.
“It is my personal goal to assist the community by providing access to willing community partners that wish to provide services to an underserved population,” said George Clifford Blackmon of Employee Benefits Consulting Services Inc., Healthcare Consultant for TWU Local 234 and event organizer.
The free clinic will be held Saturday, Nov. 15 at Transport Workers Union of Philadelphia Local 234, 500 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Dental and vision exams will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
About United Concordia
United Concordia Companies, Inc., headquartered in Harrisburg, PA, is one of the nation’s largest dental insurers, with more than 7.7 million members worldwide. In 2007, United Concordia processed more than 12.9 million claims and attained revenues of $1.3 billion. For more information about United Concordia products, visit www.unitedconcordia.com.
About Davis Vision
Davis Vision, Inc., based in Plainview, NY, administers vision services to over 55 million members nationally through an extensive network of nearly 45,000 participating providers, including ophthalmologists, optometrists, opticians and many of the nation’s premier retail centers. Davis Vision’s provider network-credentialing program has been certified by the NCQA. For more information about Davis Vision, visit www.davisvision.com.
About TWU Local 234
Transport Workers Union Local 234 moves the Philadelphia Region. The Union represents over 5,000 area transit workers including the majority of South Eastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) employees. For more information about TWU Local 234, visit www.twulocal234.com.
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For every American without health insurance (almost 47 million), there are two without dental coverage (over 108 million). For the uninsured, dental care has become an out-of-reach luxury rather than part of one’s primary health care. United Concordia is taking a step in combating chronic pain and dental disease by providing children with the opportunity to receive a screening by a licensed dentist as well as a referral to a local clinic willing to provide free follow-up care.
“Oral disease is a growing epidemic in the United States. If left untreated, dental decay can cause pain, loss of time from work and lower self-esteem.” says Harlon L. Robinson, United Concordia corporate vice president of Human Resources and Administration and Cultural Diversity chairman. “As recognition of the importance oral health increases, so must corporate initiatives aimed at improving access to dental care. United Concordia is dedicated to being a catalyst for positive change in the areas we work and live. Through our community outreach programs, we strive to ensure everyone has the opportunity to see a dentist no matter what their insurance situation may be.”
"Taking care of one's eyesight is important, and the examinations that we will provide on Nov. 15 will determine if some of the students need additional eye care or vision correction," said Joseph Wende, O.D., Davis Vision senior vice president of Professional Affairs and Quality Management. "By evaluating the vision and eye health of these children, we can initiate care for those in need immediately, helping to correct or prevent conditions that might negatively affect their vision, general health or educational abilities."
“TWU Local 234 members understand the value of having good health benefits including dental and vision benefits,” says Allison Cooper, vice president of Local 234 and the chair of the TWU Local 234 Women’s Committee. “We also understand the need to reach out into the community and help those in need who don’t have easy access to these kids of benefits. That is why our Women’s Committee and our Union are pleased to participate in this important community outreach. This is just one more example of how our Union supports the communities we serve in the Philadelphia Region.”
Healthy snacks will be provided, and children who visit the dentist will receive education on proper dental techniques and oral health care from a hygienist. United Concordia network dentists and their staff, University of Pennsylvania dental students, and Davis Vision staff will volunteer their time to bring this community service to Philadelphia-area students.
“It is my personal goal to assist the community by providing access to willing community partners that wish to provide services to an underserved population,” said George Clifford Blackmon of Employee Benefits Consulting Services Inc., Healthcare Consultant for TWU Local 234 and event organizer.
The free clinic will be held Saturday, Nov. 15 at Transport Workers Union of Philadelphia Local 234, 500 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Dental and vision exams will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
About United Concordia
United Concordia Companies, Inc., headquartered in Harrisburg, PA, is one of the nation’s largest dental insurers, with more than 7.7 million members worldwide. In 2007, United Concordia processed more than 12.9 million claims and attained revenues of $1.3 billion. For more information about United Concordia products, visit www.unitedconcordia.com.
About Davis Vision
Davis Vision, Inc., based in Plainview, NY, administers vision services to over 55 million members nationally through an extensive network of nearly 45,000 participating providers, including ophthalmologists, optometrists, opticians and many of the nation’s premier retail centers. Davis Vision’s provider network-credentialing program has been certified by the NCQA. For more information about Davis Vision, visit www.davisvision.com.
About TWU Local 234
Transport Workers Union Local 234 moves the Philadelphia Region. The Union represents over 5,000 area transit workers including the majority of South Eastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) employees. For more information about TWU Local 234, visit www.twulocal234.com.
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Contact
United Concordia
Laura Bull
717-260-7792
www.ucci.com
Laura Bull
717-260-7792
www.ucci.com
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