Stacey Anderson
Stacey Anderson of Two Harbors, a registered dental hygenist, has received the 2009 Cherokee “Inspired Comfort Award,” in recognition of her work to establish a dental health program to prevent and reduce dental disease among uninsured children. Children in kindergarten and first grade at Sawtooth Elementary School in Grand Marais are beneficiaries of the program known as “Just Kids Dental Health.” Thelatest visit of the Just Kids program was November 5 and 6.
Anderson founded Just Kids Dental Health in 2006, borrowing money and using her own savings to get the program going. She now teaches students in 17 elementary and middle schools in Minnesota and Wisconsin about oral hygiene and nutrition. She also works with school nurses to manage the care of children with severe tooth decay. In 2008, the service provided mobile clinic services including cleanings, fluoride varnish, oral health education, and sealants during more than 1,300 visits.
Sawtooth Elementary Principal Gwen Carman said, “Cook County Schools is happy to collaborate with the Just Kids dental program to help assure that our students can access quality dental care.”
Medicaid, the government-funded health program, reimburses Just Kids Dental Health for services provided to eligible children—covering about half of Anderson’s costs. She relies on grants and community-based fundraising to make up the difference. Thevisit to Sawtooth Elementary was possible because of funding from the Lloyd K. Johnson Foundation and the Cook County Community Fund. Anderson says she will see any child referred to her by a school nurse, county social worker, or any parent having difficulty accessing preventative dental care for their child, regardless of ability to pay.
The award is granted by Cherokee Uniforms to recognize nurses and other non-physician healthcare professionals who demonstrate exceptional service, sacrifice, and innovation and have a positive impact on other’s lives. This is the seventh year the healthcare apparel manufacturer has honored inspirational caregivers. Anderson is the first dental professional to receive the award.
She was nominated by Nancy Smith, director of health services for Wisconsin’s Superior School District. Smith explained, “Stacey deserves this award due to her passion and the immense amount of time she selflessly dedicates to helping underserved children.”
As the grand prize winner, Anderson receives an all-expense paid Caribbean cruise for two, a wardrobe featuring Cherokee uniforms and footwear worth more than $1,000, and a Cherokee Inspired Comfort trophy.
Since the Cherokee Inspired Comfort Award was established in 2003, more than 7,000 healthcare professionals have been nominated. For every nomination, Cherokee Uniforms donates $1 to Nurse’s House, a national fund that provides short-term financial assistance to registered nurses facing serious hardship. Proceeds from Cherokee Uniforms also support the award, as well as scholarships for students enrolled in nursing programs and an inspirational film for nurses. Cherokee Uniforms will begin accepting nominations for the 2010 Cherokee Inspired Comfort Award beginning May 1 until May 31, 2010. For further information on the award, please visit www.inspiredcomfort.com.
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