Latest news with #Everett-based
Time Business News
21-05-2025
- Health
- Time Business News
A Lifeline for the Forgotten: Omnidenture Helps Clients in Washington's Dental Crisis
Everett, WA – As Washington State's dental care infrastructure buckles under the combined weight of federal and state budget cuts, Everett-based clinic Omnidenture is not backing down. It's doubling down—expanding its services, deepening community partnerships, and stepping into leadership as one of the few clinics in the region still offering consistent, compassionate care to challenged clients. These are the people society often overlooks: seniors, veterans, disabled individuals, trauma survivors, low-income families, and those with complex medical or psychological needs. Budget Cuts Create a Perfect Storm for Vulnerable Patients In the months following the federal rollback of dental Medicaid matching funds and the elimination key oral health grants, providers across Washington have sounded the alarm. Clinics have closed, waitlists have surged, and providers are burned out. But the people hit hardest are those with the fewest resources. 'State and federal budget cuts didn't just reduce funding. They broke the spirit of the system,' said Dr. Nishita Shah, lead prosthodontist and founder of Omnidenture. 'What we're seeing now is a silent epidemic—people living in pain, ashamed of their appearance, avoiding meals, work, and social life, all because they can't access basic dental care.' According to the Washington State Department of Health, dental care disruptions have directly affected over 87,000 low-income and Medicaid-enrolled residents since March. Community clinics and mobile units have been hit especially hard in rural counties. Urban populations, meanwhile, face overwhelmed providers and narrowing eligibility criteria. Omnidenture's Commitment to Challenged Clients: A Four-Pillar Approach At the center of this crisis, Omnidenture has emerged as a model for resilience and compassion. Rather than scaling back, the clinic has built a four-pillar care model that addresses the most pressing challenges faced by underserved populations: Accessibility and Inclusion Financial Equity and Affordability Specialized Services for Complex Needs Community-Based Partnerships and Advocacy Each pillar supports one goal: ensuring no one is denied care due to circumstances beyond their control. 1. Accessibility and Inclusion: Meeting Patients Where They Are Omnidenture's priority is ensuring physical and emotional access to care. This includes: Wheelchair-accessible operatories Transportation assistance House visits for patients with mobility limitations Interpreter services in Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese, and ASL Sensory-friendly environments for patients with autism or PTSD The clinic also accommodates flexible appointment times, including early morning, late evening, and weekend availability for patients with caregiving duties, shift work, or anxiety-related scheduling challenges. Case Study: Raymond, Age 34 Raymond, a developmentally disabled man in Snohomish County, hadn't seen a dentist in over six years due to fear, sensory issues, and transportation challenges. His mother had tried repeatedly to find a provider to meet his needs. 'Everywhere we went, they either said they weren't equipped or quoted thousands upfront,' she said. Omnidenture created a custom sedation plan, coordinated with Raymond's care team, arranged transport, and allowed a support animal in the room. Today, Raymond is infection-free and smiling for the first time in years. 2. Financial Equity: Removing Cost as a Barrier With federal subsidies gone and Medicaid support weakened, Omnidenture now offers one of the most comprehensive affordability programs in the region: Sliding-scale fees based on income based on income 0% financing options for dentures, implants, and complete restorative work for dentures, implants, and complete restorative work Payment deferrals for hardship cases for hardship cases Crowdfunded treatment sponsorships through its ' Sponsor a Smile ' campaign through its ' ' campaign Access to nonprofit dental grants through local partnerships 'Our goal is to make the money question irrelevant regarding health,' said Dr. Shah. 'We will always find a solution for those who need help.' Carla's Story: A Survivor's Smile Restored Carla M., 39, came to Omnidenture after surviving domestic abuse that left her with broken and missing teeth. She had no insurance and no income at the time. 'I didn't think I deserved to look normal again,' she said. Omnidenture created a 100% grant-funded care plan in partnership with a local women's shelter and dental relief fund. Carla has complete upper and lower dentures and has resumed work as a home health aide. 3. Specialized Services for Complex Cases Unlike many providers who turn away complicated cases due to time, cost, or risk, Omnidenture welcomes medically and socially complex patients. The clinic has invested in: Sedation dentistry and behavioural support plans Advanced denture fabrication and implants for facial trauma Oral health screenings for cancer survivors Chronic illness management (e.g., diabetes and dental complications) Trauma-informed care protocols James, the Veteran Who Almost Gave Up After his VA dental benefits were discontinued, James L., a 72-year-old disabled veteran, lived with a broken implant and gum infection for over 8 months. 'I just assumed no one would help me,' he said. Omnidenture created a custom prosthetic, waived nearly 60% of the total cost, and worked with a veterans' aid organization to cover the remainder. 'They treated me like a person, not a patient file,' he said. 4. Community Partnerships and Systems Navigation Omnidenture's final pillar involves collaboration. The clinic works with over 20 nonprofits and public health agencies to close referral gaps and comprehensively support their patients. Key partners include: Everett Veterans Coalition YWCA Domestic Violence Services Catholic Community Services Washington Disability Rights Center Local shelters and food banks These partnerships allow for: Coordinated case management Shared care plans Cross-referrals for housing, food, and mental health support Training programs for dental assistants from underserved communities From Crisis to Advocacy: A New Mission Emerges While continuing its day-to-day services, Omnidenture is stepping into a larger role as an advocate for systemic change. In April 2025, the clinic co-launched #SaveOurSmilesWA, a public awareness and legislative advocacy campaign aimed at: Restoring federal Medicaid dental funds Reinstating oral health workforce training programs Securing emergency relief funds for clinics in crisis Expanding dental parity for disability and veteran populations The campaign has garnered support from the Washington Dental Association, Public Health Alliance, and over 12 state legislators. 'We are not just fixing teeth. We are defending the dignity of people who deserve to be seen, heard, and cared for,' said Dr. Shah. Looking Ahead: Scaling Solutions and Sustaining Compassion In 2025, Omnidenture plans to: Open a second mobile unit for house calls and community outreach for house calls and community outreach Expand tele-dentistry services to reach rural and homebound patients to reach rural and homebound patients Launch a dental scholarship program for low-income high school students pursuing healthcare careers for low-income high school students pursuing healthcare careers Train additional trauma-informed dental assistants Create a regional hub for complex denture and implant care How You Can Help As demand grows, Omnidenture is asking the public to join its mission. Every dollar, referral, and volunteer hour makes a difference. Ways to support: Donate to the 'Sponsor a Smile' program to the 'Sponsor a Smile' program Refer clients from community centers or case management agencies clients from community centers or case management agencies Advocate for Medicaid and dental parity at the state and federal level for Medicaid and dental parity at the state and federal level Volunteer if you are a licensed dental professional or student if you are a licensed dental professional or student Share this release to raise awareness Media Contact: Omnidenture Clinic1710 100th Place SESuite 102Everett, WA 98208📧 omnismiles@ Tel: 425-224-4620 📠 Fax: 425-224-4621
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Hope ‘N Wellness finds new home in Everett after violating city codes
This story was initially published on An Everett-based social service organization has found a new home, changing locations this week so it can continue operating. The organization, Hope 'N Wellness, originally lived on 3021 Rucker Avenue, but its location violated a city code—social service organizations are barred from operating on the first floor of certain streets in downtown Everett. Hope 'N Wellness was established in 2020. In response, after looking for relocation options for more than a year, Hope 'N Wellness is partnering with Our Lady of Hope Church. The organization will reside at 2617 Cedar St., only approximately one mile from its first location. 'There's a lot of alignment with Hope 'N Wellness and what we're trying to do,' Jasmine Donahue told The Everett Herald. 'It aligns that we're just trying to support the community, and it's gone really, really well.' Our Lady of Hope Church is no stranger to social service work, providing weekly hot meals and acting as a shelter during extreme weather instances. 'With the great need for social services and support locally and throughout the region, we are glad Hope 'N Wellness found a new location that will allow them to continue serving those in need in Everett,' City spokesperson Simone Tarver told The Everett Herald.
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Yahoo
Ex-convict-turned-community leader arrested for possessing enough fentanyl to kill 278,000 people
This story was originally published on A man was arrested on 11 felony charges on March 14 after a traffic stop along 75th Street Southeast in Everett. The suspect was identified as Percy Levy, 54, according to Snohomish County Jail documents obtained by The Lynnwood Times — a man who previously served approximately 20 years behind bars before working in criminal justice reform after he was granted executive clemency by Governor Jay Inslee in 2019. Levy was working as a community outreach specialist for the Washington Defender Association (WDA) and was on the Board of the Black Lives Matter Seattle-King County chapter as Treasurer. Additionally, he founded the Everett-based automobile vendor known as Redemption Auto. 'Percy's personal journey of redemption is mirrored in the ethos of Redemption Auto,' Levy's bio on Redemption Auto read. 'Each car represents resilience, second chances, and the transformative power of embarking on a new path.' More on MyNorthwest: Three people killed in wrong-way crash on I-5 in South Thurston County According to The Lynnwood Times, the Snohomish Regional Drug Task Force led a 16-month-long investigation into Levy before his arrest last week. Officials who were a part of the investigation found 2,818 grams of powder cocaine, 14.7 grams of rock cocaine, and 556 grams of fentanyl within Levy's residence. They also recovered a pistol, packaging material, and a digital scale — signifying intent to distribute, according to the investigation. The 556 grams of fentanyl recovered is enough to kill approximately 278,000 people — one-third of Snohomish County's population — according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Levy faces two felony charges of unlawful possession of a firearm, one felony charge of possession of a stolen firearm, and eight separate counts of possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute. More on MyNorthwest: 5-year-old found dead in bed, child was sleeping with a parent He spent 17 years in jail after attempting a robbery of a 'drug house' before he was granted executive clemency by Inslee in 2019 — who made the verdict in response to the 2021 State v. Blake decision, which ruled possession of controlled substances was to be reclassified as a misdemeanor. Levy is currently being held on a $1.5 million bond.
Yahoo
02-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
World's first nuclear fusion power plant in US close to historic ignition test
Helion Energy, an Everett-based fusion energy company, has announced plans to construct the world's first fusion power plant in Malaga, Washington. The company is working towards developing a 50-megawatt fusion power plant on land owned by the Chelan Public Utility District (PUD) near Rock Island Dam, along the Chelan County side of the Columbia River. While the site has not been officially finalized yet, discussions are progressing, and the company plans to further engage with the community for this pioneering project. The announcement was made during a joint press conference at the Confluence Technology Center in Wenatchee. The public event featured Helion Communications Director Jessie Barton, Chelan PUD's Kirk Hudson, Chelan County Community Development Director Deanna Walter, and Jim Kuntz of the Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority. They discussed their respective agencies' roles in exploring the potential for carbon-free energy sources in Chelan County. 'We're looking at developing a 50-megawatt fusion power plant on PUD-owned land, near Rock Island Dam, on the Chelan side of the Columbia River,' said Barton. 'Now, this isn't an official site selection at this point, but we are at the point where we're ready to bring in more community members and have a larger conversation about this potential project.' A community event is planned for March 11 at Mission View Elementary School, where additional details about the project will be shared. The company has set an ambitious timeline, aiming to begin construction this summer if the permitting process proceeds without delays, to generate fusion energy by 2028. From Chelan PUD's perspective, this project is a key component of a broader strategy to meet future energy demands and expand beyond hydropower, which has traditionally been the region's primary energy source. 'We have all of our eggs in one basket with hydropower, which has served us very well, but the future is going to be much different than the past has been,' said Chelan PUD's Kirk Hudson. Initially, the fusion energy produced will support a purchase agreement with Microsoft, with long-term plans to make this clean energy accessible to local customers. The PUD remains optimistic about the project's growth and success, aiming for its benefits to extend to residents of Chelan County and the broader north-central Washington region. Formal discussions regarding agreements with Helion, including potential lease terms, are expected once the company is ready to begin construction. Helion Energy anticipates hiring approximately 130 workers during the initial construction phase, with around 30 staff needed for ongoing plant operations once the facility is complete. In May 2023, Helion Energy announced a groundbreaking deal with Microsoft, marking the world's first commercial agreement for fusion energy. Under this agreement, Helion aims to provide Microsoft with electricity generated from its fusion power plant by 2028. The deal underscores confidence in Helion's advanced fusion technology and its potential to deliver a reliable, carbon-free energy source. This partnership aligns with Microsoft's sustainability goals, aiming to secure clean energy for its operations. Helion's progress has been further bolstered by significant funding, including a major investment in January 2025, to accelerate the development and deployment of fusion energy technology. With the planned fusion power plant in Malaga, Washington, Helion is taking significant strides toward making fusion energy a reality, reinforcing its commitment to revolutionizing the energy landscape by 2028.
Yahoo
30-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
CEP Multifamily Acquires 165-unit Nimbus Apartments in Everett, WA
EVERETT, Wash., Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- CEP Multifamily (CEP) announced their acquisition of the Nimbus Apartments, a 165-unit luxury midrise apartment community in Everett's central business district. Nimbus is the 23rd acquisition in Washington for the vertically integrated Everett-based firm and grows their existing Pacific Northwest portfolio to 1,534 units. The acquisition price was $49 million ($296,970 per unit) and marks the second acquisition for CEP's latest fund vehicle, CEP Multifamily Fund II, according to Josh Jansen, CEP's CEO and Managing Partner. Completed in 2022, Nimbus offers residents a mix of studios, one- and two-bedroom units. The community features luxury-grade finishes ranging from soft-close cabinets and stainless steel appliances to quartz countertops and 9-foot ceilings. Residents also enjoy an extensive amenity package including coworking space in the lobby, state-of-the-art fitness center, an arcade, and the 8th floor cloud room with an entertaining kitchen and a rooftop lounge with mountain views. "Nimbus is a perfect fit for our strategy to provide desirable, attainable housing to the area's workforce," said Jansen. "Everett and Snohomish County boast strong employment fundamentals due to a mix of established blue-chip employers and a robust start-up ecosystem. Area residents enjoy a high quality of life and relative housing affordability, which have fostered a diverse, well-educated labor pool. These factors have supported long-term population and employment growth…trends we believe will accelerate in the coming years." David Young, Corey Marx, and Chris Ross of JLL - Seattle brokered the transaction. About CEP MultifamilyCEP Multifamily (CEP) is a vertically integrated real estate investment firm that offers accredited investors access to investment opportunities in institutional grade apartment communities across the Pacific Northwest, focusing on workforce housing in supply-constrained submarkets with strong economic fundamentals. The company, formerly known as Coast Equity Partners, aims to deliver balanced returns through reliable cash flow and solid appreciation over time. CEP has acquired nearly 3,000 units and currently owns 11 properties across Washington State totaling 1,534 units. The firm is actively pursuing new acquisitions and accepting investments through their latest fund vehicle, CEP Multifamily Fund II. Visit to learn more. Contact:Jessica Disman, Director - Capital Markets & Investor Relationsjdisman@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE CEP Multifamily Sign in to access your portfolio
