Kool Smiles Donates Oral Health Supplies to Red Cross Disaster Relief Effort

TUPELO, Miss., May 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to a request from the American Red Cross, Kool Smiles recently donated oral health supplies to help approximately 3,000 victims of the recent flooding and tornadoes in Mississippi and surrounding areas.

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"On behalf of the Northeast Mississippi Chapter of the American Red Cross, I am proud to accept these donations that will be used to support the recent tornado victims in our area," said Patty Tucker, American Red Cross Regional Director, "Unfortunately, our area has received the brunt of so much devastation in the past few months. Having the support of community partners like Kool Smiles helps us to carry on and go forward."

State Senator Hob Bryan, State Representatives Kelvin Buck and D. Steve Holland (D – 16th District) requested the supplies and American Red Cross Regional Director Patty Tucker was on hand to receive the items on May 11, 2011. The toothbrushes, floss and toothpaste will support relief efforts in the fourteen counties in Mississippi that were declared a federal disaster area.

"Kool Smiles is fabulous. Their commitment to dentistry, as well as to the community, is amazing. We are so proud to have Kool Smiles in our community. This donation just solidifies their desire to go above and beyond," Holland said.

Buck added, "Knowing that organizations like Kool Smiles are supporting our citizens makes me proud that they are corporate citizens of Tupelo."

Numerous areas of Mississippi experienced tornadoes that resulted in loss of life and extensive damage to homes and other property. Coroners and law enforcement reported the death count for the state had risen to 35 as of April 30, while the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency estimated more than 2,500 homes and 100 businesses were damaged.  Recently record flooding has also impacted the state with water levels reaching record levels according to the National Weather Service.  The rising water has caused the evacuation of thousands of residents who live near the river.

"We are devastated at the loss suffered by so many of the families in our communities in the south," said Dr. Polly Buckey, DDS, MS, a board certified Pediatric Dentist who serves as a spokesperson for Kool Smiles. "While this is only one piece of a larger effort coordinated by the Red Cross, we hope we can provide a small amount of normalcy to the victims of these natural disasters."

Kool Smiles offers assistance to agencies requiring oral health supplies for families in need. To contact us for support, please visit www.mykoolsmiles.com.

About Kool Smiles

Kool Smiles is a leading dental health provider dedicated to expanding access to quality dental care for children and families in underserved communities. Kool Smiles dentists are proud to offer care to kids and adults with almost any insurance plan, including State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), Medicaid and Tricare.  Kool Smiles also provides oral health education programs through partnerships with community schools and organizations. 

The alarming state of oral health today is the foundation upon which Kool Smiles has built its mission and vision. Despite the United States' status as the wealthiest country, the former U.S. Surgeon General concluded that oral care is the #1 unmet healthcare need for children. Over 50 percent of 5- to 9-year-old children have at least one cavity or filling, and that proportion increases to 78 percent among 17-year-olds. Oral health is essential to the general health and well-being of children and plays a critical role in their ability to succeed in school and acquire positive self-esteem.

To learn more about your options for children's dentistry or to find a local Kool Smiles dentist, please visit http://www.MyKoolSmiles.com.

SOURCE Kool Smiles

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