PULASKI COUNTY, Ill. (KFVS) - In southern Illinois, the Southern 7 Health Department is receiving a $20,000 grant from the Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation.

The funds will be used to expand oral health education and preventive services across the seven southernmost counties of Illinois.

Shawnna Rhine with Southern 7 said it’s a huge win for the region, given the critical shortages of dental providers, high poverty rates, and other barriers to oral healthcare.

“This is important for those in our region that don’t have access to dental services,” Rhine said.

Rhine said Southern 7 does not currently offer dental services, but the grant will help provide folks in the lower seven counties of southern Illinois with the information and resources they need to access oral care.

This year, t

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