Improving Kids' Dental Health: HKOP's Free Screenings Arrive This Summer

The Healthy Kids Outreach Program (HKOP), a Douglas County-based initiative aimed at improving children's health, has announced a series of free dental clinic screenings set for this summer. The screenings are designed to serve children living in both North and South Douglas County. For children in the northern part of the county, the screenings will take place at Sutherlin School District Office, 531 East Central Avenue, Sutherlin, on Tuesday, June 27th from 10am-2pm. Additional screenings will be held at Sutherlin West Intermediate Parking lot, 531 N Comstock Ave, Sutherlin, OR 97479, on Tuesday, July 25th and Wednesday, August 16th from 10am-2pm. For children in the southern region, screenings will take place at the Tri-City Elementary Parking lot, 546 Chadwick Ln, Myrtle Creek, OR 97457, on Wednesday, June 28th, Wednesday, July 26th, and Thursday, August 17th from 10am-2pm. Services provided at these events include Dental Screening, Sealant Application, Fluoride Application, and Silver Fluoride. All services will be offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. A parent or guardian must be present, and a consent form must be completed upon arrival. HKOP, generously supported by Oregon Community Foundation, Ford Family Foundation, Ronald McDonald Charities, the Walmart Foundation, and Advantage Dental, has been instrumental in transforming health attitudes and behaviors in Douglas County children since its inception. The organization focuses on providing dental screenings and treatments, health education, and connections to community healthcare resources. HKOP is known for its role in overcoming transportation and financial barriers faced by families living at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guideline and those without health insurance. The goal of HKOP is to create an equal playing field for all kids, making sure "Every Kid Counts". To learn more about HKOP or for inquiries about the upcoming dental screenings, please contact Melissa at 541-677-6552 or visit their website at https://mercygiving.org/hkop.html.