#United States #Cleveland #Sun Life #Karis Community Health #Health Access Hero Award

Karis Community Health: A Beacon of Hope

In a remarkable achievement, Karis Community Health, based in Cleveland, Tennessee, has been named a recipient of the 2025 Health Access Hero Award. This prestigious honor comes with a substantial grant of $100,000 provided by Sun Life U.S. and DentaQuest. The funding aims to significantly enhance dental care accessibility not only within Bradley County but also in neighboring areas.

Since its inception in 2015, Karis Community Health has made considerable strides in delivering quality dental services, amounting to over $13 million in care. Initially established as Karis Dental, the organization evolved its mission after recognizing a range of health issues faced by its patients. It has become an invaluable resource for the community, transitioning from a solely dental clinic to a comprehensive health facility offering medical care, chronic disease management, and health education programs.

Expanding Horizons

The primary goal of this grant is to extend Karis Community Health's services to underserved populations, particularly in Polk County. According to recent statistics, over 2,300 residents in Polk County lacked health insurance in 2024. Executive Director Kelly Ohlsson articulated the significance of the grant, stating, "This funding is crucial in closing a gap that we have struggled with for a long time. We need to respond to the health care demands in Polk County and beyond but had previously reached our capacity limits. This grant is a divine answer to our prayers and a dream come true for communities in need."

Addressing Healthcare Challenges

The award is part of the annual Health Access Hero Awards that shine a light on nonprofits and dedicated individuals working tirelessly to enhance healthcare access in communities that require it most. Healthcare access remains a pressing challenge in the U.S., and grassroots initiatives like those at Karis Community Health can produce meaningful changes at the local level.

Dr. Todd Gray, chief dental officer for Sun Life U.S., emphasized the commitment of both Sun Life and DentaQuest to increase access to essential care, stating, "Karis Community Health is performing invaluable work to provide transformative dental care to those in greatest need. We at Sun Life have had the privilege to support many incredible initiatives, witnessing firsthand the impactful results achieved by these community-centered programs. We are thankful for the chance to further amplify Karis Community Health’s contributions and advance oral health accessibility for all."

The Health Access Hero Awards grant is structured to fund health and wellness initiatives in community organizations while also honoring individuals who have made a significant difference in health access. Apart from the organizational grant, individual 'Heroes' receive a $10,000 donation to a charity of their choice. Since its establishment, the Health Access Hero Awards have disbursed over $3.5 million in grants and acknowledged more than 130 individuals nationwide.

Future Initiatives

Looking forward, Karis Community Health plans to utilize the awarded funds to broaden its outreach programs and improve the overall health outcomes of communities they serve. By focusing not just on dental care but also on the interconnected aspects of health, they are poised to make a lasting impact on the well-being of many.

For more insights into the Health Wagon and the complete list of 2025 Health Access Hero award winners, visit the DentaQuest website at DentaQuest Health Access Heroes.

Karis Community Health stands as a testament to the power of community-driven health initiatives and continues striving for a future where healthcare services are accessible to all, regardless of their circumstances.