CareSouth Carolina has received a $65,000 readiness grant from The Duke Endowment to fund the creation of viable plans to enhance the expansion and sustainability of CareSouth Carolina’s school-based dental program.
CareSouth Carolina currently provides school-based dental services to 29 schools. These schools are located in the Chesterfield County, Darlington County, Dillon Four and Marlboro County school districts.
The Endowment’s School Based Oral Health Expansion grant program is a multi-year initiative to expand dental services into rural and underserved schools to ensure that all children receive dental care. The program’s goals are to improve access to dental care for school-aged children, improve meaningful care outcomes for school-aged children and grow programs that have viable business plans that lead to sustainability.
During the readiness phase, CareSouth Carolina will work with a technical assistance team led by the Medical University of South Carolina’s Division of Population Oral Health. Care delivery and business plans will be developed. Once deemed “ready,” CareSouth Carolina may apply for an implementation award.
“We are excited and honored to have received this grant, which will lead to a much needed expansion of dental services in local area schools,” CareSouth Carolina CEO Ann Lewis said.
Based in Charlotte and established in 1924 by industrialist and philanthropist James B. Duke, The Duke Endowment is a private foundation that strengthens communities in North Carolina and South Carolina by nurturing children, promoting health, educating minds and enriching spirits. Since its founding, it has distributed more than $3.6 billion in grants. The Endowment shares a name with Duke University and Duke Energy, but all are separate organizations.
CareSouth Carolina is a private, non-profit community-based corporation delivering patient-centered health and life services in the Pee Dee region of South Carolina. CareSouth Carolina operates centers in Bennettsville, Bishopville, Cheraw, Chesterfield, Dillon, Hartsville, Lake View, Latta, McColl and Society Hill.