Dear Editor,

As Dental Director for Health Net of West Michigan I work to improve the oral health of vulnerable populations in Kent County through education and access to dental services. I work with Kent County residents of all ages and backgrounds. Oral health is a key component of comprehensive health care and although it seems logical, Americans have not always publicly recognized the connection between oral health and general health. In the last twenty years, we have made strides in connecting the importance of regular dental check-ups and care with other health problems such as diabetes. Yet, some social services have not kept up with the need to have regular dental care – specifically, Medicare.

Most of us wouldn’t go running in bone-chilling freezing rain. But no wintry mix or frigid temperatures were going to stop eleven families in Grand Rapids from crossing the finish line at the annual Alger Heights Halloween 5K. After ten weeks of preparation, which focused on increasing running time and other forms of physical activity each week, these families were ready to compete.

Through FitKids360, a program of Health Net of West Michigan, a once seemingly impossible goal of running for almost an hour was suddenly within sight.

The state has awarded $5 million total to more than 120 employers in West Michigan for workforce training programs.

Michigan awarded the funds as part of its Skilled Trades Training Fund, or STTF, initiative for use by employers in the West Michigan Works! region in 2017.

Sixty-plus restaurants donated $1 each from meals sold during the recent 12-day Restaurant Week Grand Rapids, which will help make a difference with area culinary students’ education. The largesse resulted in a $16,000 check being presented to the Grand Rapids Community College Foundation, which grew its Secchia Institute for Culinary Education Student Scholarship Fund to $126,906. Six SICE students also received RWGR 2016 scholarship awards. RWGR contributions to SICE began in 2010, the year RWGR launched.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOTV) As kids start a new school year, they need a dental checkup just as much as they need a physical. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children see a dentist by 12 months old or as soon as they have teeth.