Oil City Salvation Army Dental Center Dedication Slated

AREA FAMILIES TO RECEIVE THE GIFT OF DENTAL HEALTH

HIGHMARK FOUNDATION KEY FUNDER

CARNEGIE, Pa., April 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Saturday, April 24th is a historical day for Oil City and The Salvation Army.  What was once the dream of two Salvation Army officers and a team of concerned citizens has now become a reality for Venango county families.  The community will celebrate with an afternoon dedication and ribbon cutting for the new The Salvation Army Dental Center.  "This will be a fantastic day for everyone," said Major Robert Reel, The Salvation Army's Western Pennsylvania Divisional Commander.  "This project took a lot of determination and effort, but it is well worth the wait.  Our staff is anxious to serve."

Captains Cindy Lou Drummond and Martha Jenson, both former physicians and Oil City Salvation Army officers had a heart for healthcare and families in need.  Thanks to their dedication and the follow through of subsequent Oil City Salvation Army officers,  Lts. Rodnee and Nannette Williams and Captains David and Kristen Means, The Salvation Army Dental Center is now open and serving those who are in desperate need of quality compassionate dental care.  

Dr. Bartley J. Morrow, private practitioner and clinical associate professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine and member of the Venango County Dental Task Force, will provide clinical oversight for the establishment of the center.  Other organizations and individuals who are critical to the conception and operation of The Salvation Army Dental Center include The University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine; Dr. Robert DeShong; Henry Schein Dental; Patterson Dental; the Venango County Dental Task Force; and Reck Construction. Several local clinical professionals have expressed an interest in volunteering services at the center.  "We welcome the community's involvement and encourage those interested in supporting us to call and get involved," said Emilee Langer, Administrative Director of The Salvation Army's Dental Center.

The Salvation Army Dental Center is conveniently located near The Salvation Army's Oil City Worship and Service Center, adjacent to a public transportation bus line. State-of-the-art dental health care provided at the Center will include such services as emergency assistance for alleviating pain, disfigurement and infection, as well as basic and preventive oral health care.  Additionally, the Dental Health Task Force will work to provide outreach and support in the areas of preventive education, data collection and assessment, and grant writing.

The creation of The Salvation Army Dental Center has been greeted with overwhelming support by the community and a variety of funding sources.  The Highmark Foundation has played a pivotal role in providing crucial financial support. "The Highmark Foundation has been a faithful partner of The Salvation Army on many levels.  Their support of our dental center will significantly change lives in many Venango county families," said Captain David Means of The Salvation Army's Oil City Worship and Service Center.  Other generous supporters include: Dr. and Mrs. Arthur William Phillips Charitable Trust; the Buncher Family Foundation; March of Dimes; Pennsylvania Department of Health-Community Primary Challenge Grant; Jessie L. Peters Charitable Lead Annuity Trust; Galena Rew Harrington and Mary E. Rew Fund of the Venango County Community Foundation; the Samuel Justus Charitable Trust, Edith C. Justus Charitable Trust and the Elizabeth S. Black Charitable Trust.

The ultimate goal of the facility is to become self-sustaining. The Oil City Salvation Army will rely on the support of the State Health Improvement Partnership, the Dental Task Force; local dental professionals and volunteers to secure grants, personal donations, and legacy funds.  As the program develops, there will be an opportunity to place earmarked funds from annuities and wills into investment reserves.  

Both a church and a social service organization, The Salvation Army began in London, England in 1865. Today, it provides critical services in 119 countries worldwide.  The 28-county Western Pennsylvania Division serves thousands of needy families through a wide variety of support services. To learn more about The Salvation Army in Western Pennsylvania, log onto www.salvationarmy-wpa.org.  The Salvation Army … doing the most good for the most people in the most need.

PHOTO OP: Salvation Army Dental Center Dedication - Saturday, April 24, 2010

Chapel Ceremony @ 4 PM - Ribbon Cutting @ 5:00 PM - 217 Sycamore Street, Oil City

SOURCE The Salvation Army