The Clark County Board of Health will recognize both Melody Scheer and Battle Ground Health Care with a 2015 Public Health Community Award on Wed., April 22.
The 8:30 a.m. ceremony will open the board’s monthly meeting in the sixth-floor hearing room of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St., Vancouver.
After spearheading the Access to Baby and Child Dentistry program in 2005, Melody Scheer recognized the need for improving access to dental care for uninsured, low-income adults, many of whom receive care only in emergency rooms.
Volunteering hours of her personal time, she persuaded social leaders to study the concept of a comprehensive dental clinic. With unrelenting persistence, she obtained financing, and in 2011, founded the New Day Dental Clinic to provide services to individuals and families with limited access to dental care. The clinic’s restorative dentistry service helps people realize their employment goals and improves their quality of life.
Battle Ground Health Care (BGHC) is a free medical and dental clinic formed in 2011 to address a local shortage of primary care doctors and dental providers. Eighty volunteer medical, dental and support staff provide ongoing care for low-income patients ages 18 to 65 with little or no insurance.
Patients are encouraged to play an active role in improving their health. A faith-based community organization, BGHC’s work is possible by sharing the time, talent and resources of individuals, businesses, churches and other local non-profit and for-profit clinics.
Those receiving honorable mention included:
• Russell Brent, ensuring his Battle Ground restaurant, Mill Creek Pub, plays an active role in supporting the health of customers and the greater community.
• Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center, vaccinating 412 people against flu at a free flu shot clinic November 2014.
• Connie Osborne, providing support to cancer patients and people wishing to lose weight or quit smoking.
• Deanna (DeeDee) Russell, promoting health and safety of children and families.
• U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 78, promoting boating safety.
