The Polk County Community Foundation recently awarded Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry (Outreach) a Dr. William R. Bosien Fund Grant in the amount of $6,250.

The grant will be used to provide prescription drugs and dental care to Outreach clients.

“We are extremely grateful to the Polk County Community Foundation and to the generosity and forethought of Dr. Bosien,” said Outreach Executive Director Carol Newton.

While Outreach does not provide direct medical or dental services, local medical facilities often refer low-income patients to the agency for assistance.

“We frequently work with clients who are in the ‘gap’ period between receiving a prescription and becoming enrolled in one of the prescription drug discount programs,” said Newton. “With respect to dental care, we see many clients at the point when a dental concern becomes a medical issue.”

When this becomes the case, Outreach then assists with payments for emergency extractions, root canals and other necessary procedures.

“Many people know how expensive prescription drugs and dental care can be; however, when you are uninsured, underinsured or waiting to meet your insurance deductible, the costs can be truly shocking,” said Michelle Reedy, Outreach’s client service coordinator.  “For example, we recently worked with an individual who had a prescription for a single medication that cost more than $1,600. These grant funds will allow Outreach to serve Polk County residents who are in dire need and have nowhere else to turn.”

Outreach is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1991.  The organization’s mission is to provide compassionate assistance to Polk County residents who are unable to provide for their basic life needs.  For more information on Outreach, please visit www.tboutreach.org or call 828-894-2988.

– article submitted by Wendy Thomas