January 2019
Open Arms Free Clinic News & Updates
WEATHER ALERT: Open Arms Free Clinic will be closed on Monday (1/28) and Wednesday (1/30) this week due to severe weather.  Monday’s Patient Experience Committee will be rescheduled and Wednesday’s New Patient Enrollment will be cancelled. Patient appointments for dental, counseling, and medical services will be rescheduled. We apologize for any inconvenience.
NEWS
Gala Guests support New Machine

Heart disease is the leading cause of death among men and women ( Source). With over 300 patients at Open Arms who are living with this condition, we have an immediate call to action to help our neighbors in need with the right care at the right time!

We are humbled by the overwhelming support from the 2018 Birthday Gala event (12.6.18).... With Honorary Chairs Dr. Cary and Maureen Berkowitz, the community responded to the call for help and collectively raised the funds for our brand ECHO machine and home blood pressure kits. On behalf of the patients, their families, the volunteer doctors and nurses.... THANK YOU!

UPDATES
Children with Medicaid now cared for at Open Arms Dental Clinic

Our mission is to better understand and serve with compassion the needs of our community. As there had not been a single dentist in Walworth County to accept Medicaid, Open Arms applied and received its 2nd year dental grant from Wisconsin State Department of Public Health to expand its dental program to care for children who have Medicaid (BadgerCare / Forward Health) insurance. Over 500 children seen by the Walworth County Public Health Seal-A-Smile program have needed dental treatment within the past year without a dentist in the county to care for them. Open Arms is hoping to fill that gap and care for our neighbors in need.


Tooth decay is actually classified as an infectious disease because it is caused by a specific strain of bacteria that can be shared between people. Cavities are the most common and most preventable disease in children. About 1 of 5 (20%) children aged 5 to 11 years have at least one untreated decayed tooth. 1 of 7 (13%) adolescents aged 12 to 19 years have at least one untreated decayed tooth. 

Tooth decay is preventable. 

Fluoride varnish can prevent about one-third (33%) of decay in the primary (baby) teeth.
Children living in communities with fluoridated tap water have fewer decayed teeth than children who live in areas where their tap water is not fluoridated. Similarly, children who brush daily with fluoride toothpaste will have less tooth decay. Dental sealants to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth is another way to prevent tooth decay. Studies in children show that sealants reduce decay in the permanent molars by 81% for 2 years after they are placed on the tooth and continue to be effective for 4 years after placement.
EVENTS
Every Splash Counts - 2.3.19

Escape cabin fever and bring your family and friends to Timber Ridge Water Lodge (Lake Geneva) on Sunday, February 3, 2019. Tickets available online only and must be purchased by Friday, Feb. 1st. $20/per person and swim from 12-8pm! A portion of each ticket supports Open Arms.


Community partners supporting the clinic mission
Linn Church Celebrates 175 years serving Geneva Lake Area Communities
Valentine’s Feast Benefit for Open Arms Free Clinic
2.15.19 @ 4:30-7:30pm 

Fish Fry at St. Benedicts Church
(137 Dewey Ave, Fontana)
Friday, March 22, 2019
4:30 - 7:00 PM

Proceeds to benefit OAFC
Open Arms Free Clinic strives to better understand and serve with compassion the health and wellness needs of the uninsured, low income, and underserved residents of Walworth County. Our goal is for our patients and their families to have the same primary care and attention with respect and dignity we would want for our families.
Open Arms Free Clinic, Inc. | 262.379.1401 | OpenArmsFreeClinic.org