The work of Jack and Mariana Dee at the Paget Farm Dental Health Clinic.
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On the mornings that the Paget Farm Dental Clinic is operating, the clients line up in the hallway between the clinic and the police office in the Paget Farm community building. They are there early, in part because Jack and Mariana Dee want to get an early start before the heat of the day really sets in, but also before people need to get to work. They stay until the line is done, which is usually about 10:30 or 11.
The clinic is one of those things that can restore your trust in the idea that there are great people doing good things all around us. Jack wrote recently that "I feel that we have had quite a successful and enjoyable season with our dental services." He and Mariana volunteer their time, and the Grenadines Initiative supports their work through sourcing and delivering supplies, in part through a grant by the Henry Schein Cares Foundation. We've also hired a Certified Dental Assistant, Megan Glynn, to help in the clinic and with outreach. Together, writes Jack, "we were able to provide care during more than 1,300 patient appointments as recorded in our patient registry." All is free, all offered with goodwill and the feeling that, if you have something to give and can help others, why wouldn't you?
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Jack Dee in the Paget Farm Dental Clinic.
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The clinic sees anyone that comes by, no appointments necessary. Jack and Mariana do examinations, just to see how everything is looking. That includes blood pressure and diabetes assessments on elderly or compromised patients. They do fillings, though those would require an appointment, which is fine. If needed, they’ll do extractions. One morning when I was visiting the clinic with my daughter, Jack was delighted to have her watch while he did one. “Come right here,” he said, “you need to see this.” His excitement is for the work, and his quiet enthusiasm is infectious. He knows the good that this kind of work can do for general health. It's far more than teeth. Our mouths are a window onto our overall health.
They also do cleanings followed by home care instructions and the distribution of toothbrushes and toothpaste and dental floss. The clinic administers fluoride treatment for patients under 13 years of age. “Megan Glynn continues these treatments in our absence," writes Jack of the times when he and Mariana are off island. "Distributing toothbrushes, toothpaste and upbeat lessons on proper home care.” I love that he phrases it that way: upbeat. It is, and that's the tenor of all the work that they do.
In every way, the Paget Farm Dental Clinic is an overwhelming success. This in terms of care—many if not most of his patients don’t have other options—as well as ongoing health assessments. Jack recently estimated the impact of the clinic, based on the guidelines dictated by Delta Dental of Michigan insurance program, exceed $130,000US. That’s the amount that the services that the clinic would charge were they to charge for every visit, treatment, cleaning, and assessment.
But that dollar amount, as impressive as it is, doesn’t include the feeling in the room. When patients are with Jack and Mariana, they feel a sense of care, which is priceless. These are joyful people doing joyful work. I wish I could take you there. Like Jack, I would ask to come closer, have a seat. You need to see this.
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Linda Sagan Harrier delivering a shipment of supplies with Megan Glynn in the Paget Farm Dental Health Clinic.
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We were devastated to hear of the recent and unexpected passing of Sensei Gibson of Bequia Kai Karate. He was kind, giving, and provided mentorship to the youth who attended the dojo. Our thoughts are with Elena Glynn as well as the youth and families who are suffering the loss of a great teacher, partner, and friend.
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Now accepting scholarship applications
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We are now accepting applications for elementary and secondary students studying at schools on Bequia and St. Vincent, and post-secondary students intending to enrol at institutions within the CARICOM region.
For the application for elementary and secondary financial support, CLICK HERE.
For the application for post-secondary support, CLICK HERE.
These scholarships help students on island attending local schools. They help secondary students travel each day to schools on the mainland. If you know of anyone who can benefit, please pass the applications along.
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We'd love to hear from you. Reply to this email with thoughts, questions, ideas.
All best,
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Glen Herbert
Executive Director
Email: glen.herbert@grenadinesinitiative.org
Ph: 289 439 7052
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Sign up for the newsletter, submit a project proposal, volunteer, or offer insight into existing projects.
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Choose from a range of projects requiring support, from scholarships, to classroom resources, to community health initiatives.
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