Creating Jobs and Improving Oral Health Access

Organization:

High Country Community Health

Amount:

$200,000.00

Program Area:

Open Grants Program

County of Applicant:

Watauga

Year:

2020

Description:

The purpose of this grant is to provide funding to High Country Community Health (HCCH), a Federally Qualified Health Center serving Watauga, Avery, Surry, and Burke counties, for the renovation and expansion of the Watauga dental clinic. High Country Community Health is in its seventh year of operation and has three dental clinics and five medial facilities. The Watauga dental clinic is at capacity and current wait time for new patients is four months or more, and for established patients, six months. The project would create an additional six new full-time positions, including a dentist, hygienist and two dental assistants, and one billing and one coding position. The project is anticipated to more than double patient visits, from 2,605 visits to 6,681 patient visits within the first year. The dental clinic will also support dental assistant internships through a partnership with NC Works. Golden LEAF funds will be used for renovation costs, dental equipment and some dental supplies.

Contact:

Ms. Alice SalthousePO Box 1490Boone, North Carolina 28607(828) 262-3886

Areas Served:

Watauga

Any project more than a couple of years old may not reflect current Board priorities.
Please contact a staff member with any questions.