AWS Foundation Provides $1,000,000 in Funding for Neighborhood Health
Strengthening our commitment to the underserved community together.
FORT WAYNE, IN — AWS Foundation (AWS) has awarded Neighborhood Health (NH) $1,000,000 for their Oxford Clinic location that is slated to open in June 2025. This funding will allow those with disabilities a more inclusive and collaborative healthcare experience; especially for those seeking dental care.
The state of Indiana reports approximately 1 in 5 individuals experience some level of disability. and those in poverty, who are minorities, and those who live with a disability have experienced health disparities at an alarming rate. This has been particularly evident with dental care where challenges for patients with sensory or intellectual disabilities can be heightened due to the type of instruments, sights and sounds that are unique to the field. One in three adults with a disability reported having a health provider they regularly visit (CDC, 2019).
In 2022, Neighborhood Health’s dental staff attended training at the NYU School of Dentistry's Oral Health Center for Persons with Disabilities to gain necessary knowledge, resources and tools to better care for those with disabilities. Dr. Kimmel, Chief Dental Officer at NH explains the benefit of this experience, “We knew that we would not only apply what we could to our current locations, but that the Oxford site would be the perfect project to incapsulate all necessary elements of inclusive design that we had been learning about.” This will include sensory rooms, dimmable lights, audio/visual accommodations, specialized equipment, family bathroom accommodations, multiple elevators, a flex room to accommodate those needing more time in a visit, and a system navigation personnel.
AWS Foundation values this intentional programming and design.
“NH embraced what was learned at NYU and were deliberate in their design of the entire space, as well as the dental clinic. By following principles of Universal Design, they have created a space and practices that will address the historically poor status of oral health for the disabled.”, said Patti Hays, CEO of AWS Foundation.
“The need for the medically underserved, especially in this area, is great. We know that the issue is multi-faceted including lack of accessibility, lack of quality and inclusive care, and a mistrust amongst those who have had negative experiences in healthcare.”, says Angie Zaegel, President/CEO of Neighborhood Health. “We are so thankful for the partnership with AWS Foundation to intentionally invest and provide strategic care to those with disabilities. Both their financial investment and their expertise in this field has and will continue to ensure a deepening impact in the healthcare field.”
With the planned enhancements to the clinic location, NH will provide better healthcare practices, system navigation, and a more independent experience for those with disabilities.