OBI reached a milestone in December 2006, when the total of free dental care given to Hurricane Katrina victims topped $1 million.

Unfortunately, a mountain of hurricane-related expenses, lack of available health care and other challenges have kept many out of the dentist's office, but not out of Operation Blessing's reach.

As of December 2006, OBI celebrated a milestone achievement, having provided more than $1 million in free dental care to nearly 3,000 hurricane victims who find themselves uninsured or unable to afford such services.

This end-of-the-year accomplishment came as OBI prepared to host their "Greater New Orleans Medical Recovery Week" at the site of their medical and dental clinics.

More than 400 doctors, dentists, and nurses traveled from across the country to the volunteer at the week-long event, which provided some 10,000 free medical and dental services to residents.

To date, OBI's Gulf Coast dental clinics have helped some 3,000 people who found themselves uninsured and/or unable to afford health care in the wake of Katrina's devastation.

"Our healthcare infrastructure is very fragile right now," said Kevin Stephens, director of the New Orleans Health Department. "We are working to figure out a solution to the problem and this event is part of that solution."

For 24-year-old Ivy Marco of the hurricane-devastated 9th ward, the solution couldn't have come at a better time.

Marco arrived to the clinic and was told by dentists that one tooth had a bad cavity and needed to be extracted. As she sat in a clinic chair waiting for the Novocain to take effect, she expressed her gratitude.

"Thankfully I am able to come to this clinic," she said. "I don't have enough money to go to the dentist. That's the last thing on my list."

At OBI's New Orleans East clinic, the volunteer group of dentists, hygienists and assistants perform a range of services including dental cleanings, tooth extractions, fillings, composite restorations and oral-hygiene instruction.

In addition to the clinic, OBI also hosts regular U.S. dental missions in North Carolina, Virginia and Florida, as well as operates a state-of-the-art dental mobile dental clinic up to three days a week.

HOW YOU CAN HELP
You can help by making an online donation toward OBI's disaster relief efforts. With your support, we can continue to provide emergency relief and recovery. Please make an on-line donation today.

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