01 July 2022

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J &J Health Equity Challenge awards mobile dentistry service

Katherine E. Pfaff

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Healthcare product company, Johnson & Johnson, has granted seed funding to 14 groups identified as changemakers in addressing health inequities. The effort is part of J&J’s Health Equity Innovation Challenge. Some 180 groups applied for the recognition, which provides seed funding, mentorship and other benefits from a pooled $1 million. 

Organizations were chosen in part for their understanding and work in communities they serve, which were cities identified as having gaps in access to care for brown and black residents and subsequent higher mortality rates for minority populations. 

The KARE Mobile dental van was among the 14 awardees. The program is based in Detroit, Michigan, and cares for patients living in uninsured or under-insured communities. The van includes one dental chair. Dentists who are newer to the field are also educated on how to manage a practice with a franchise business model. 

Funding provided to KARE Mobile is planned to be used in work with community organizations to increase the dental vans’ services. 

Awardees were chosen by an independent committee. The winners will have networking access to mentors, public health experts, entrepreneurs, and the J&J JLABS ecosystem.

Source:  https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/top-local-changemakers-addressing-health-equity-gaps-across-the-us-named-johnson--johnson-health-equity-innovation-challenge-awardees-301567073.html