Karen had a sinus infection and her daughter Miranda needed to see a dentist. Karen’s husband was an electrician and had recently begun a business. Money was tight. The family made too much to qualify for Medicaid, but too little to afford a doctor’s visit, or the $120 it would cost for Miranda’s tooth to be pulled. "A lot of our needs are taken care of, but sometimes you have to put things aside that you don't want to,” shared the concerned mother. Many in poverty just have to cope with their pain but for Karen and Miranda, help was soon to come.

On January 30-31st, Operation Blessing partnered with Sanctuary of Hope and the Peninsula Christian Free Clinic to facilitate a 2-day clinic in Portsmouth, Virginia for the area’s sick and poor. A team of about 20 volunteer dentists, hygienists, dental assistants, doctors, nurses, non-medical support persons and a pharmacist provided 89 medical services as well as 41 prescriptions. Of the patients that attended the mission, less than 26% had some form of medical insurance and not one had any form of dental insurance – people like Karen and Miranda. That day, Karen received the prescription she needed for her infection and Miranda had her tooth pulled. After seeing the dentist she said, “It's Christ's gift.”

In the Dentist’s Chair
Many of the patients had not been to see a dentist in years, if ever, so some appointments took up to an hour! Rosetta, 75, was thrilled to get her dentures cleaned. Her 13-year-old grandson was able to get a cavity filled. She said, "I think it's wonderful. It's beautiful. This is really needed."

J'Chaun, 7, got his teeth cleaned and received a toothbrush and tube of toothpaste. He gushed, "I think the people who helped me get my teeth cleaned are neat."

Poverty Keeps Them in Pain
“Lamont” suffered with severe back pain for as long as he could remember. However, he could not afford the $10 co-payment that the health department asked for. After treating this patient, Dr. Thompson commented, "I was amazed by some of the people we saw today. I became aware of some of the people who are falling through the cracks in the medical system. Here's a need. I’m available... Operation Blessing provides the link between local professionals and churches. Without them, our paths would never cross."

HOW YOU CAN HELP
Be a part of OBI's ongoing medical relief efforts by making an online contribution to help those suffering from extreme poverty and sickness.

 

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