SNIWWOC launches a FREE mobile dental hygiene clinic in Greater Victoria for low-income BIPOC women and their children

MEDIA CONTACT

Dominique Jacobs
Communications & Campaigns Manager
Support Network for Indigenous Women and Women of Color
203-2722 Fifth Street
Victoria BC V8T 4B2
domi@sniwwoc.ca
250-277-2545

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SNIWWOC launches a FREE mobile dental hygiene clinic in Greater Victoria for low-income BIPOC women and their children. 

Victoria, B.C., Canada. August, 16th, 2021: The Support Network for Indigenous Women and Women of Colour (SNIWWOC), in collaboration with Khalsa Aid Canada and Wheely Clean, is breaking down financial barriers to oral healthcare. 

Always focussed on holistic healthcare program delivery for racialized women,  SNIWWOC strives to meet the needs of our community in many ways, from free mental health counseling, peer and career support to our latest project; a free mobile dental hygiene clinic. 

Regular dental hygienist visits make an important contribution to overall health, which is often not accessible to low-income, racialized women because of the costs involved and/or lack of insurance. Many low- income Canadians suffer from pain, discomfort, disability, and loss of opportunity because of poor oral health. Approximately six million Canadians avoid visiting the dentist every year because of the cost; and those with the highest levels of oral health problems are also those with the greatest difficulty accessing oral health care.  SNIWWOC is removing the barrier of cost for eligible women and their children in Greater Victoria. 

Periodontal (gum) disease is one of the most common human diseases, easily treatable by good oral healthcare.  Gum disease is an infectious condition that can result in the destruction of gum tissue and bone. If left untreated, the bacteria that cause gum disease may travel through the bloodstream increasing the chance of heart disease, stroke, respiratory diseases and pregnancy complications. That is why good oral health is so important, especially for women. 

SNIWWOC is launching our clinic this weekend and are welcoming the press and the local community to join us for an outdoor, COVID-friendly celebration at the Punjabi Akali Sikh Temple at 2721 Graham St, Victoria, BC V8T 3Z1 on Sunday, Aug. 22nd from 2-3 pm. Come check out the facility and meet the team. 

Our free dental hygiene clinic is for low-income racialized women, two-spirited people  and their accompanied minors.  This program is available once a month for residents of Victoria and registration must be done in advance. This program is made possible by the generous sponsorship and friendship from Khalsa Aid Canada and Wheely Clean. 

Sources, background information, links:

 



Guest User