CVHN Celebrates 20 Years of Community Stewardship

$10 Million Distributed to Our Kids and Their Smiles

By Jordan Staggs | Photography courtesy of CVHN

Celebrating one milestone is an achievement—but celebrating two in the same year is a true testament to lasting impact. That’s exactly what the Children’s Volunteer Health Network (CVHN), a nonprofit serving Walton and Okaloosa Counties in Northwest Florida, is doing in 2025. This year marks both the twentieth anniversary of CVHN’s mission to eliminate barriers to accessible and affordable healthcare for children in need and the organization’s achievement of $10 million in donated services since its founding.

Through its School-Based Mobile Clinics, Early Intervention Program (EIP) for preschoolers, a Network Urgent Care Program, and the My First Toothbrush initiative, CVHN has served more than 21,500 children over the past two decades—now reaching more than 2,600 children each school year. What began as a single brick-and-mortar clinic has evolved into a pair of state-of-the-art mobile dental clinics that travel to over 16 local elementary schools and community organizations, bringing preventive and emergency dental care directly to children at no cost.

These “fully loaded operatory clinics on wheels” have been game changers, particularly in federally qualified health professional shortage areas, allowing CVHN’s team to meet children where they are. The mobile units provide cleanings, exams, X-rays, fluoride varnish, oral hygiene and nutrition education, sealants, and more.

“We’re seeing at least one or more urgent cases every day,” says Christina Peterson, CVHN Director of Dental Operations. “This is exactly why we have our Early Intervention Program—to educate and treat students before things progress to a level of decay that requires major work. Our team focuses on non-invasive techniques to help children stay comfortable while addressing issues early. Unfortunately, when they come to us in critical condition, all we can do is refer and request pro bono assistance from our network.”

The EIP helps young children learn simple but powerful habits—like swapping sugary drinks for water and brushing regularly—but CVHN’s work also recognizes that oral health problems often go deeper than hygiene alone. “The cycle of sugar consumption and lack of oral hygiene education is a major contributing factor,” Peterson explains, “but there are other challenges too—food insecurity, reliance on shelf-stable items, economic hardship, and lack of insurance coverage or local providers.”

These challenges are the true “Why” behind CVHN’s tireless work and advocacy for children’s health. In Florida, oral health issues disproportionately affect low-income children, with nearly one in three third-graders having untreated cavities—almost double the national average. Poverty is linked to higher rates of decay due to factors like limited access to dental professionals, high costs, and a lack of dental coverage. Poor oral health can lead to pain, infection, developmental delays, and significant impacts on school attendance and academic performance.

Since launching in 2023, the EIP has grown by 525 percent in enrollment and visits. To keep up with that growth, CVHN has added a Dodge Ram Promaster—nicknamed the “MVP”—to its fleet, expected to be fully operational by February 2026.

As a certified nonprofit, CVHN depends on community support, donations, and grants to keep its mission rolling. Executive Director Megan Trent, board chair Dr. Bradley Harrelson, DMD, and the CVHN team, board of advisors, and volunteers can often be found at fundraising events throughout Walton and Okaloosa Counties. In 2025, the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF) awarded CVHN $175,000, while the Florida Association of Free and Charitable Clinics contributed another $75,000 in grant funds. Donations from community organizations such as the Dugas Family Foundation and the St. Joe Community Foundation have also significantly contributed to the growth of CVHN’s programs.

“CVHN has been a DCWAF beneficiary since 2009,” says Kate MacMillan, DCWAF Marketing and Communications Director. “To date, we’ve donated over $2.8 million to support their mission. Seeing CVHN grow and expand its reach is hugely rewarding. One thing we’re most proud of is the collaboration among our charity partners—working together means the children in our community get far more comprehensive care.” Among those partners are Youth Village, Children in Crisis, and Boys & Girls Clubs, where CVHN’s mobile clinics frequently visit.

Individual supporters in the community also play an essential role in fundraising and outreach.

“My dear friend Penny Jackson introduced me to CVHN by inviting my husband, George, and me to a charity dinner,” shares Stephanie Brannon, longtime volunteer and former board member. “The most rewarding part is seeing children’s lives change through the care and support they receive—dental, medical, mental, or otherwise. Each new success story shows CVHN’s impact. I’ve loved events like the Hurricane Party, but Soirée on the Bay has become my favorite.”

Even after two decades and major milestones, CVHN shows no signs of slowing down. Its goals for 2026 and beyond include expanding its network of volunteer healthcare providers willing to take on urgent care patients, increasing awareness of services across both counties, and expanding mental wellness efforts following the successful launch of a GirlPower Summer program in partnership with Cultural Arts Alliance in August.

“With CVHN achieving two milestones this year—our 20th anniversary and $10 million in services provided for over 21,000 children—we’re at a great point to share both our roots and our growth,” says Trent. “We’re also navigating the challenges of increased demand for services throughout the community, with enrollment that has more than doubled in two years. Our growing program means we need to grow community support more than ever, and we so appreciate all those who help us—every kid and every dollar counts!”

For those who wish to become a CVHN supporter, even a simple $12 donation helps provide a dental kit, $100 provides a needed sealant for a cavity, and $250 covers one comprehensive exam for a child. Ninety-six cents of every dollar donated goes directly into the organization’s programs.

Upcoming events and fundraisers include Freeport Night Out (November 1), a private dinner at O-Ku in Alys Beach (November 19), Festival of the Trees at Grand Boulevard (December 2), Under the Big Top at Grand Boulevard (February 6, 2026), the 30A Wine Festival in Alys Beach (February 18–22), and CVHN’s signature event, Soirée on the Bay (March 13–14).

— V —

For event details or information on donating or volunteering, visit CVHNkids.org, email Megan@cvhnkids.org, or call (850) 622-3200.