Nov. 5, 2015

Exciting Year for Oklahoma Caring Foundation in 2015

In an effort to serve more Oklahomans across the state, the Oklahoma Caring Foundation (OCF) has added two new Oklahoma Caring Vans, increasing the current total to eight operating van units. Through the combined services of OCF’s existing vans and an additional unit to be introduced later in 2015, the Caring Vans will have nine units to deliver services in counties where 92 percent of Oklahoma’s children live.

In January, OCF launched the seventh new Caring Van to operate in partnership with the Oklahoma City Area Inter-Tribal Health Board (OCAITHB). The van will travel statewide and serve citizens of Oklahoma’s 38 federally-recognized tribes with oral health screenings, fluoride varnishes, diabetic foot checks and wellness education. The OCAITHB Caring Van has visited several health fairs and summer camps across the state in its first months of operation, serving more than 175 tribal children and adults.

In June, the Oklahoma Caring Foundation celebrated the launch of its eighth Caring Van at the Chickasaw Nation Medical Center in Ada. The Chickasaw Nation Caring Van will be staffed by Chickasaw Nation personnel and administered by the Oklahoma Caring Foundation. The van provides services including immunizations, preventive dental screenings and wellness education, across the Chickasaw Nation’s ten-county tribal jurisdiction in south central Oklahoma.

The van will serve both members of the Chickasaw Nation, along with non-native residents living in the surrounding communities. According to Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby, the new van represents the Nation’s commitment to improving the health of its citizens and neighbors.

The ninth Oklahoma Caring Van is scheduled hit the streets this fall. This unit, which will be operated by the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry, will be unique in its dedication to delivering preventive oral health services, including screenings, fluoride varnishes, and dental sealants to children across the state. This will be the first van to include a pediatric dental chair on board.

This Caring Van will be staffed by faculty and students from OU’s dental hygiene and community health departments. The Oklahoma Caring Foundation is excited for the opportunity to address this often-overlooked preventive health need for Oklahoma children.

Since its start in 1999, the Caring Van program has provided nearly 260,000 lifesaving immunizations. The vans provide immunizations at locations easily accessible for families. Per state requirements, all Oklahoma children are required to be current on their immunizations prior to child care or school entry, and the Caring Vans help families meet those requirements. Services are provided at no charge to children, aged six weeks through 18 years who qualify; this includes children who are uninsured, Medicaid eligible or American Indian.

For a list of upcoming Caring Van clinics, click here.