For Immediate Release
February 20, 2007
Contact:  Lisa Landis
Legislative Assistant
717-787-6709
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Senator Brubaker participates in Dental Olympics at Rohrerstown Elementary School

LANCASTER – How do you raise children's awareness of the need to take care of their teeth? For St. Joseph Health Ministries, the answer came in the form of the Brush. Brush. Smile! Dental Olympics – a series of oral health education activities that is being introduced in area schools.

Tackling the oral health needs of an estimated 19,000 low-income children in Lancaster County who are unable to visit a dentist and ensuring that all children are aware of the importance of oral hygiene is a significant mission, and it is precisely the goal of St. Joseph Health Ministries' program, Brush. Brush. Smile!.

Today, with state Senator Mike Brubaker in attendance, Rohrerstown Elementary School fourth-graders were the first to participate in the Dental Olympics. "Education is a major part of what we do through Brush. Brush. Smile! and that is intentional because we firmly believe that education is a vital part of prevention," said Ann Goropoulos, Director of the Foundation for St. Joseph Health Ministries (SJHM).

Students enjoyed several different activities including Human Flossing, Toothbrush Relay, Happy Teeth, and Plaque Attack. Each activity focused on a different aspect of oral health such as brushing and flossing, identifying healthy and unhealthy foods, and preventing the development of plaque.

"The students really enjoyed the activities," explained Physical Education teacher Heather Hagopian. "It is nice to incorporate oral health into a physical education class, and I think it reinforces the role good oral hygiene has in overall health."

"I am very supportive of the work of St. Joseph Health Ministries in Lancaster County," said Senator Brubaker. "In particular, I am impressed with the proactive approach this program takes to educate the students in our area."

In addition to education, SJHM works with local leaders to advocate for changes that will improve access for children to appropriate oral health care without barriers. In addition, SJHM's mobile dental clinic – the Brush Brush bus – treats hundreds of economically disadvantaged children in Lancaster County each year.

"St. Joseph Health Ministries has taken on a very daunting task," noted Senator Brubaker, "and they are to be commended for their successful work in our region. I certainly appreciate all that they do for our community."

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