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WellCare Restores Smiles and Self-Confidence with Dental Grant

Family Service Society to provide dentures for some McCracken County residents

Paducah, KY, October 25, 2022 — Family Service Society (FSS) has received a $25,000 grant from WellCare of Kentucky to provide dentures to some low-income residents of McCracken County.

Family Service Society, a nonprofit agency that offers services to families in crisis, was awarded the grant from WellCare for its emergency denture program. The agency regularly receives requests to help with dental care but due to limited funding, those eligible to receive dentures often must wait up to six months. With this grant, that wait time will be reduced, providing much needed relief for more than two dozen McCracken County residents.

“Beyond the cosmetic advantages, dentures are necessary to help people eat and speak properly,” said Dr. Chirag Patel, WellCare’s Chief Medical Officer in Kentucky. “Removing decaying teeth promotes better oral health and can prevent diseases in other parts of the body.”

The funds are designated for low-income residents of McCracken County. Eligibility is based on income and dental health history. Those who qualify will be scheduled for a consultation with a local dentist. The actual number of those served by the grant will depend on how many will need a full set of dentures and how many will need a partial set.

FSS Director Candace Woleben said she is looking forward to the transformative effect this program will have on many of their clients. “A new set of teeth can be life changing. Not only are we restoring their smile, but we’re also restoring their self-confidence,” said Woleban.

To apply for the free denture program, contact Family Service Society at 1-270-443-4838.

About Family Service Society

The mission of Family Service Society (FSS) is to serve as a crisis resource to families in McCracken County, Kentucky. FSS provides direct client assistance to include food, clothing, prescription medications, emergency dental, utility assistance, personal hygiene items, household goods and Christmas food assistance.

About WellCare Kentucky

WellCare of Kentucky provides government-sponsored managed care services to families, children, seniors, and individuals with complex needs primarily through Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans across the state. WellCare is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation, a leading healthcare enterprise committed to helping people live healthier lives.