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In 2022, VINA was able to provide nearly $600,000 worth of dental care thanks to your donations, volunteer work and support of our mission. As you saw in the testimonial above, a smile is invaluable and can be completely life-changing for those who cannot afford dental care without insurance. THANK YOU!
VINA's 2023 has been full of growth and new beginnings, including:
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Increase in new patients. In 2022, VINA welcomed nearly 80 new patients with a variety of different situations and needs and has seen 41 new patients in the first half of 2023
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Serving more veterans. VINA doubled the number of Victors for Veterans clinic days for two semesters to make up for the closing of another clinic
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Cutting-edge equipment. Ward Dental Laboratory donated an intraoral scanner that will vastly improve the quality of care for our patients.
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Community & Partnerships. We strengthened and added partnerships within our community as all events and networking opportunities adapted and grew
Dr. Anne Bibik also retired from VINA in early August and though we said goodbye to her expertise and commitment to VINA's mission, we are happy for her well-deserved retirement after changing countless lives at VINA and throughout her career. The Board of Directors hired Dr. Jesaka Davitt-Webster as the new staff dentist and are thrilled about her passion for public health and dentistry.
Amidst all of these exciting changes, there have also been new challenges. We saw the funding shortfalls from grantors, donations and fundraising events continue as they have since 2020. With a growing pool of patients and extra Victors for Veterans clinic dates, VINA's costs for dental supplies and staffing have grown as well. We continue to look for new funding sources and partnerships and rely on your support as well.
VINA's Board of Directors also voted to upgrade to a digital panoramic x-ray machine. This new digital x-ray will enhance safety, diagnoses and quality of care at VINA. This is a big cost, however, and we need your support to provide high-level care to our patients in the constantly changing and adapting dental field.
VINA does not exist and operate without YOU. Your donations, volunteer time, ideas and support are the reason that VINA is able to restore smiles for people in need. Thank you for the endless ways you help others.
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