Latest news with #WashingtonStateDepartmentofHealth
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
24-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Washington health department urges measles vaccines amid nationwide outbreaks
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – The Washington State Department of Health is urging Washingtonians to get vaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella amid a nationwide outbreak, the agency announced Thursday. According to the state health department, childhood immunization rates in Washington have dropped since the COVID-19 pandemic, risking an outbreak in local communities. The measles outbreak in the United States has surpassed 800 confirmed cases in 24 states, with a fifth case reported in Washington state this week, according to the the department is encouraging parents and caregivers to ensure their children are protected against the disease with two doses to the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine. Adults are also urged to verify their own vaccination status online or with their health care provider. 'I'm worried that some data show that Washington kindergartners have lower rates of MMR coverage than Texas or New Mexico – both of which are struggling with a measles outbreak,' said Dr. Tao Sheng Kwan-Gett, DOH State Health Officer. 'Besides causing fever and rash, measles can sometimes cause life-threatening pneumonia and brain inflammation. The MMR vaccine is our best defense against measles, and we need to get more people up to date on vaccination to prevent a similar outbreak in Washington.' According to DOH, children should receive their first dose of the MMR vaccine between 12 and 15 months of age, followed by a second dose between the ages of four and six. Some measles cases have occurred in infants who were too young to receive the MMR vaccine and have traveled with their families to countries where there is a higher risk of measles, officials noted. Police seize enough fentanyl 'to kill everyone in Portland twice,' arrest 46 in multi-agency trafficking crackdown DOH recommended that parents planning to travel with children six months to 11 months of age should ask their health care provider if an early dose of the MMR vaccine can be given to prevent infection during travel. They add that the dose must be given at least two weeks before departure for the best protection. From there, the infant will need to start the regular two-dose series between 12 and 15 months of age. Adults with two documented doses of the MMR vaccine do not need additional doses, according to DOH, noting it's especially important for high-risk adults – including healthcare professionals, college students, people with Human Immunodeficiency Virus, or those prepping for international travel – to confirm they have received both MMR doses to be fully protected. The warning from DOH comes after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention declared measles was eliminated from the United States in 2020 because high vaccination rates stopped the spread of the disease, with cases only being contracted from abroad. But officials warn a drop in vaccination rates in recent years is now helping measles spread across the U.S. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
WA sees deadliest flu season in years
At least 388 people have died from the flu in Washington this season—making it the deadliest one the state has seen in years. The number surpasses the 2017-2018 season by 92 deaths. According to the weekly flu report from the Washington State Department of Health, most people who have died were older adults or had pre-existing conditions. Currently, the health department says flu cases are low in the state. Why is there such an uptick? The King County Health Department told the Seattle Times that the problem is twofold: First, this year's strain of the flu is stronger than usual. Second, flu vaccination rates were down about 3% last year. About 30% of Washingtonians got the shot this year. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) suggests everyone six months and older get a flu shot every year.
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Experts say a certain tick bite might make you allergic to red meat
It's nearly peak tick season and bites from the bugs may come with dangerous consequences for meat lovers — and everyone exposed. Three species are associated with a red meat allergy that can manifest in response to a bite, researchers found recently. The allergy is known as alpha-gal syndrome, which is also a potentially life-threatening condition. Scientists think that the sugar molecule certain tick species carry, called alpha-gal, gets into people's bodies, can disrupt their immune systems, and lead to a possibly deadly allergic reaction. Previously, it was believed that lone star ticks, which are found east of the Rocky Mountains, were the only species capable of triggering the disease. 'It was a very surprising finding to us,' Hanna Oltean, an epidemiologist at Washington State Department of Health, told Science News on Tuesday. Oltean was the corresponding author of a study published in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's journal Emerging Infectious Diseases. The study described the 2017 case of now-retired wildlife biologist Cathy Raley, who woke up with hives and later stopped being able to swallow at her home in Washington state. Another study detailed a similar incident in 2022 when a 45-year-old Maine woman discovered a western black-legged tick on her left bicep after walking on a wooded path. Nearly 10 days after the bite and following a meal of roasted rabbit, the unidentified subject began to experience abdominal pain. That pain continued after eating red meat. 'A severe episode of diarrhea and vomiting hours after beef consumption prompted the patient to visit a healthcare provider 20 days after the tick bite,' the study's authors said. The woman was able to resume eating red meat ten months after her first symptoms. The tick that had bitten her was a deer tick. There are dozens of species found across the United States. 'U.S. health and public health professionals should be aware of AGS outside the established lone star tick range,' the researchers warned. Even among healthcare providers, alpha-gal syndrome is not very well-known. There have been about 110,000 suspected cases across the U.S. from 2010 to 2022. However, researchers think that may be an undercount. Delayed symptoms can also make it hard to diagnose. Developing alpha-gal can cause a serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis that can be deadly without treatment with a shot of prescription medicine called epinephrine, also known as adrenaline. There's no cure for the condition, and reducing exposure is the best defense against tickborne illness. Oltean says ticks commonly come out and seek 'blood meals' between March and May. However, warmer temperatures driven by climate change have meant ticks appear earlier, stay later, and thrive in a wider geographic range. 'It's important for people to be aware of the risk so that they can take appropriate precautions,' Oltean said.
The Independent
17-04-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Experts say a certain tick bite might make you allergic to red meat
It's nearly peak tick season and bites from the bugs may come with dangerous consequences for meat lovers — and everyone exposed. Three species are associated with a red meat allergy that can manifest in response to a bite, researchers found recently. The allergy is known as alpha-gal syndrome, which is also a potentially life-threatening condition. Scientists think that the sugar molecule certain tick species carry, called alpha-gal, gets into people's bodies, can disrupt their immune systems, and lead to a possibly deadly allergic reaction. Previously, it was believed that lone star ticks, which are found east of the Rocky Mountains, were the only species capable of triggering the disease. 'It was a very surprising finding to us,' Hanna Oltean, an epidemiologist at Washington State Department of Health, told Science News on Tuesday. Oltean was the corresponding author of a study published in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's journal Emerging Infectious Diseases. The study described the 2017 case of now-retired wildlife biologist Cathy Raley, who woke up with hives and later stopped being able to swallow at her home in Washington state. Another study detailed a similar incident in 2022 when a 45-year-old Maine woman discovered a western black-legged tick on her left bicep after walking on a wooded path. Nearly 10 days after the bite and following a meal of roasted rabbit, the unidentified subject began to experience abdominal pain. That pain continued after eating red meat. 'A severe episode of diarrhea and vomiting hours after beef consumption prompted the patient to visit a healthcare provider 20 days after the tick bite,' the study's authors said. The woman was able to resume eating red meat ten months after her first symptoms. The tick that had bitten her was a deer tick. There are dozens of species found across the United States. 'U.S. health and public health professionals should be aware of AGS outside the established lone star tick range,' the researchers warned. Even among healthcare providers, alpha-gal syndrome is not very well-known. There have been about 110,000 suspected cases across the U.S. from 2010 to 2022. However, researchers think that may be an undercount. Delayed symptoms can also make it hard to diagnose. Developing alpha-gal can cause a serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis that can be deadly without treatment with a shot of prescription medicine called epinephrine, also known as adrenaline. There's no cure for the condition, and reducing exposure is the best defense against tickborne illness. Oltean says ticks commonly come out and seek 'blood meals' between March and May. However, warmer temperatures driven by climate change have meant ticks appear earlier, stay later, and thrive in a wider geographic range. 'It's important for people to be aware of the risk so that they can take appropriate precautions,' Oltean said.
