Local 234 and its Women’s Committee continued its outstanding community outreach efforts last month by teaming up with dental provider United Concordia and vision provider Davis Vision to offer free clinics for these crucial services to children of Philadelphia families without coverage.

Many of those attending the free clinics were children who attend the nearby Kearny Public School in Philadelphia. The event was held at Local 234’s new union hall on 2nd St. in Center City.

Three dentists from Concordia and dental students from Temple University performed the dental examinations and a professional from Davis handled the eye exams. Those needing further care received referrals to a local clinic for free follow-up care.

Children from Kearny also participated in an art contest focusing on the importance of good dental habits. Winners received gift certificates to Target and Toys ‘R Us.

Allison Cooper, chair of the Local 234 Women’s Committee, said: “We understand the need to reach out into the community and help those in need who don’t have easy access to these kinds of benefits. That is why our Women’s Committee and our Union are pleased to participate in this important community outreach. This is just one more example of how our Union supports the communities we serve in the Philadelphia Region.”

Woodrow Greene, the Community Outreach Coordinator for United Concordia in Harrisburg, PA, participates in these kinds of events because “for every American without health insurance, there are two without dental coverage or an estimated 108 million people with no dental benefits.”