United Health Foundation Awards University of Kentucky $1 Million Grant to Reduce Rates of Oral Cancer and Improve Oral Health
November 02 2018 - 9:00AM
Business Wire
- Foundation grant part of effort to
address oral cancer rates in eastern Kentucky and improve access to
oral health services
A $1 million grant from the United Health Foundation will enable
the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry (UKCD) to launch
its “Eradicate Oral Cancer in Eastern Kentucky” project.
The three-year project will raise public awareness of the
symptoms of oral cancer and its links to heavy alcohol and tobacco
use, provide approximately 1,000 oral cancer screenings at local
health departments, and help connect patients who need additional
care to cancer specialists in Lexington.
The grant was awarded to address the high prevalence of oral
cancer in Harlan, Letcher and Pike counties in eastern Kentucky, as
well as the lack of access to local health care providers who
specialize in oral cancer treatment. The three-year grant enables
UKCD to lead an integrated outreach and care program delivered to
local residents through their local health departments.
Kentucky has one of nation’s highest incidences of oral cancer,
according to the National Institute of Health, and the prevalence
of oral cancer in the targeted counties is as much as 54 percent
higher than the state average. Oral cancer has a high rate of
mortality; only about 57 percent of people survive five years after
diagnosis, due in large part to late discovery.
According to America’s Health Rankings, Kentucky also has a
growing problem with access to dental care and oral health
services. The number of dentists per capita has declined for three
straight years.
“This grant from United Health Foundation provides us with the
resources needed to target the communities with some of the highest
oral cancer rates in Kentucky, and to educate the people of
Kentucky on the importance of annual screenings,” said Dr.
Stephanos Kyrkanides, dean of the University of Kentucky College of
Dentistry.
“The United Health Foundation is grateful for the opportunity to
partner with the University of Kentucky in addressing oral cancer,”
said Tom Wiffler, CEO, UnitedHealthcare Specialty Benefits. “By
improving awareness about the signs and risks of oral cancer and
increasing early screening for the disease, we can help more
Kentuckians live healthier lives.”
UKCD will share the findings from the “Eradicate Oral Cancer in
Eastern Kentucky” project in presentations to state and national
organizations, along with guidance on how the program could be
replicated or adapted in other communities.
About University of Kentucky College of
DentistryFounded in 1962, the University of Kentucky
College of Dentistry (UKCD) is one of two dental schools in
Kentucky. In addition to offering a Doctor of Dental Medicine
degree and several graduate and postdoctoral programs, UKCD
conducts research and operates patient clinics serving the
community. UKCD is closely tied to UK HealthCare hospitals and
clinics.
About the United Health
FoundationThrough collaboration with community partners,
grants and outreach efforts, the United Health Foundation works to
improve our health system, build a diverse and dynamic health
workforce and enhance the well-being of local communities. The
United Health Foundation was established by UnitedHealth Group
(NYSE: UNH) in 1999 as a not-for-profit, private foundation
dedicated to improving health and health care. To date, the United
Health Foundation has committed $430 million to programs and
communities around the world. We invite you to learn more at
www.unitedhealthgroup.com/SocialResponsibility.
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Group.
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version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181102005038/en/
University of KentuckyJay Blanton,
859-699-0041jay.blanton@uky.eduorUnitedHealthcareTony
Marusic, 312-348-3825tony_marusic@uhc.com
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