Creating Momentum:

The Evolution of Community Dental Care in Mercer County

It started with one weekend.

Rows of dental chairs in tents. Volunteers moved with urgency and care. Patients waited - some in pain, many without any other option - hoping to be seen.

For three years, the Buhl Regional Health Foundation (BRHF) partnered with the Remote Area Medical (RAM) team and Dr. John Clemenza, a local board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, to bring a free, pop-up, dental clinic to Mercer County, transforming a single weekend each year into a powerful response to a growing crisis of access. In just 48 hours, up to 300 patients received care; relief that, for many, had been delayed far too long.

And it mattered.

But year after year, as the chairs were packed up and the temporary clinic left town, one thing became increasingly clear: the need didn't disappear.

"Those weekends showed us both the impact and the gaps," said Kateri Linn, Director of Programming at the Buhl Regional Health Foundation. "We were meeting people at a critical moment - but we weren't able to stay with them beyond it."

Read more about our decision to transition from an annual, pop-up dental clinic to a permanent, brick-and-mortar dental service by clicking below.

From Capitol Hill to Community Impact:

Reflections from Foundations on the Hill:

Earlier this year, our Executive Director, Jennifer Barborak, traveled to Washington, DC to represent Mercer County at Foundations on the Hill - joining hundreds of philanthropic leaders advocating for the freedom to support community-driven work. What she found was both surprising and reaffirming: lawmakers need to hear directly from communities like ours.

In this reflection, Jennifer shares what it means to bring a rural voice to Capitol Hill - and why that advocacy matters back home.

Click below for more about Jen's time at FoTH.

Grant Spotlight:

Mercer County Food Bank

When federal SNAP disruptions hit Mercer County in late 2025, the ripple effects were immediate - putting pressure on families and the systems that support them. In response, Buhl Regional Health Foundation moved quickly, awarding a $50,000 emergency grant to the Mercer County Food Bank to help meet rising demand in the community.

This spotlight highlights how rapid, community-driven action helped stabilize access to food - and why that matters for the wellbeing of the entire region.

Click below for the full story.

Mercer County Food Bank delivers fresh produce to locals.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month!

Taking care of your mental health doesn't have to be complicated. During Mental Health Awareness Month, we're sharing simple, everyday ways to support your wellbeing - plus local resources available right here in Mercer County when you need them most.

Join the Conversation!

Strong communities are built through shared stories and shared learning. If your organization has news to share, or if you’ve experienced the impact of local programs firsthand, we invite you to reach out and tell us about it.