Earlier this year, Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry was given but one month’s notice that the Rutherford Polk McDowell Health Department would no longer be provide dental services at Collins Dental Center in Columbus. 

Leaders put their heads together with Polk County Manager Marche Pittman and Consolidated Human Services Director Josh Kennedy to identify Blue Ridge Health as a possible provider. The agency was interested, but officials said they would need time to ramp up services, so Outreach could help to subsidize rent in the short term.

Thanks to a Polk County Community Foundation three-year grant, the nonprofit was able to offer BRH a reduced rate for rent.  This key funding was the piece of the puzzle that was critical to closing the deal so quickly with BRH, allowing it to open the doors and begin to build relationships with existing patients.

“Access to affordable dentistry is central to the long-term health and well-being of our communities,” said Ben Cozart, dental director for BRH. “The collaboration to keep Collins Dental Center open was swift and successful and Polk County is a healthier place thanks to the combined efforts of those organizations involved.  BRH is now providing access to affordable, high quality dental care for more patients than ever and our goal is to continue to improve that impact moving forward.”

– Submitted by George Alley