International Overdose Awareness Day

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, "People with a lower income in the United States are more than twice as likely to die of an opioid overdose compared to more affluent groups, according to a study published in the journal PLOS One."

International Overdose Awareness Day is on Saturday, August 31, and being a non-profit organization who serves low-wage earning adults and military Veterans, we understand the risk for overdose, or knowing someone who has overdosed, is much higher for the patients we serve.

There is also research on how military Veterans are heavily impacted by opioid related overdoses.

In an article in The National Library of Medicine, it states that combat-related injury and liberal opioid prescribing can create the pathway to opioid dependence for Veterans.

The impact drug abuse has on oral health is substantial. Drug abuse is associated with serious oral health problems including periodontitis (gum disease), tooth loss, and more.

While we are a free dental clinic and happy to serve eligible patients, we also pride ourselves in providing helpful resources in our community outside of just dental care.

Below are some links for anyone in need of help with substance abuse and/or dental care.

Drug and Alcohol Abuse

Bucks County - Treatment for Alcohol & Drug Use | Bucks County, PA

Montgomery County - Drug and Alcohol Recovery Support Services | Montgomery County, PA - Official Website (montgomerycountypa.gov)

Free Dental Care

Bucks County and Montgomery County residents - Become a Patient | healthlink (healthlinkdental.org)