The Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) and the Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre (SOAHAC) announced a partnership today that will provide new dental treatment options for Indigenous community members across the region. Effective tomorrow, the Dental Clinic space at 50 King Street will be shared between MLHU and SOAHAC. Through its Healthy Smiles Ontario program, the Health Unit will continue to provide preventive oral health services to children and youth under the age of 17 from qualifying families, while SOAHAC provides culturally safe dental treatment services to its clients.
Initial discussions about a collaboration began in the fall 2017, when the MLHU adjusted its programs to focus on preventive services. With treatment space and equipment available, the Health Unit approached SOAHAC to gauge its interest in establishing a downtown dental office focused on Indigenous oral health.
“For over 15 years, our Board and staff have been seeking ways of addressing the pressing oral health needs of our clients and the Indigenous communities we serve,” says Brian Dokis, CEO at SOAHAC. “We were very happy when the Health Unit approached us and this opportunity presented itself so perfectly.”
After today’s announcement at the Middlesex County Building, community representatives and staff from MLHU and SOAHAC went to the Dental Clinic, where a Smudging Ceremony was performed.
“The Health Unit is developing a plan to respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action in a meaningful way,” says Dr. Christopher Mackie, Medical Officer of Health and CEO at the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “Today’s announcement is a demonstration of our commitment to working with, and seeking direction from, local First Nations and Indigenous-led organizations.”
Media contacts:
Dan Flaherty, Communications Manager, MLHU, 519-663-5317 ext. 2469 or 519-617-0570 (cell.)
Cassandra Harris, Communications Coordinator, SOAHAC, 519-914-1858 ext. 2025
Spokespeople:
Dr. Christopher Mackie, Medical Officer of Health and CEO, MLHU
Brian Dokis, Chief Executive Officer, SOAHAC