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Karis Community Health

Making the oral health and overall health connection

Location: Tennessee
Website: Karis Community Health
Grant amount: $100,000

Opened in 2013, Karis Community Health has served Bradley County patients with more than $13 million in dental services and care. Originally Karis Dental, the organization changed its name after recognizing other underlying health conditions among many patients. What started as a faith-based clinic aimed at closing adult dental care gaps, has become an essential community resource that also provides medical care, chronic disease management and health education. The grant will help expand its reach to additional underserved counties in need.

This grant is helping close a huge gap we’ve been trying to fill for a long time,” said Karis Community Health Executive Director Kelly Ohlsson. “Our services are needed in Polk County and beyond, but we've had to say no these requests because our capacity was at max .Bradley County itself is too much as it is. For us to be able to expand with this grant is just an answer to a prayer and a dream come true for the community, and for me personally as a cofounder.

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PREVENTISTRY PULSE

The newsletter designed for anyone who wants to improve oral health for themselves, their families, customers or communities.