FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

March 1, 2019…. (Jackson, TN) West Tennessee Healthcare Foundation is pleased to announce it has received $10,088 from Delta Dental of Tennessee and its Smile180 Foundation. These funds will be used to establish an endowment with the goal of improving the oral health of the citizens of West Tennessee.

“We are delighted to have Delta Dental and the Smile180 Foundation make a commitment to serve the citizens of West Tennessee with the establishment of the Delta Dental Endowment for Oral Health.,” said Frank McMeen, Foundation President.

Research states one’s oral health reflects overall health. Thus, good oral health is an indicator of better overall health. On the other hand, poor oral health may lead to other health problems. This endowment will provide vouchers for dental visits and further oral care for children and others in need.

“Our friends at West Tennessee Healthcare and Ayers Children’s Medical Center provide a valuable resource to the greater Jackson community,” said Philip Wenk, DDS, President and CEO, Delta Dental of Tennessee. “Their partnership with Delta Dental of Tennessee’s Smile180 Foundation has provided a way for us to contribute to the lives of little Tennesseans and their families that really makes a difference in their overall health.”

Frank McMeen continued, “Because of their generosity, people will now have access to dental care who would otherwise be unable to afford it.”

About Delta Dental of Tennessee

Delta Dental of Tennessee is the state’s largest independent dental benefits carrier with more than 1.2 million lives covered. As part of the Delta Dental Plans Association, Delta Dental of Tennessee members have access to the largest dental network in the nation with more than 154,000 providers serving more than 332,000 locations. With the simple mission of ensuring healthy smiles, Delta Dental of Tennessee works hard to help members of the communities it serves. Along with its corporate foundation, Smile180, Delta Dental of Tennessee donated $8 million to over 120 organizations in 2018, and employees shared 2,378 volunteer hours in the community.

About the Foundation:

The Foundation is a public, non-profit community foundation serving West Tennessee and beyond through community funds, donor advised funds, estate planning, and endowment management. Now in its third decade, the Foundation serves as a conduit for donors to put their passions into action while bettering their communities and impacting lives. With more than $36 million in assets, the Foundation continues to serve as a catalyst for positive changes in health care, education, the arts, and other causes throughout our communities.

For more information on the Foundation and its services, visit www.wthfoundation.org.