Episode #34 “Creating Healthier, Happier Smiles for Our Kids”

Children’s Volunteer Health Network (CVHN) eliminates barriers to accessible, affordable health care for Northwest Florida children in need through mobile solutions and community partnerships. Serving nine schools in Okaloosa and Walton counties and assisting organizations such as Children in Crisis and Destin Boys + Girls Club, CVHN’s two state-of-the-art mobile dental clinics provide 100-percent free preventative and restorative dental care to eligible children in grades K through 5. It also recognizes the challenge that lack of access to mental health care presents to children and families. When less than 15 percent of children in poverty receive mental health support, CVHN is adding mental health services to provide needed help for kids and the community. Lisa and CVHN executive director Megan Trend talk about all the nonprofit is doing in 2023, including the second annual Soiree on the Bay fundraiser coming up March 10–11, 2023. Then, Dr. Iysha Cawthon hops on the podcast to discuss how provided children with preventative and restorative dental care not only increased their physical health but also their mental health, confidence, school performance, and more.