Local woman earns state volunteer award

Russell one of 12 recipients from all over West Virginia

By Erienne Greene / Journal Staff Writer

MARTINSBURG - A local resident who got the ball rolling on a free dental clinic in the Eastern Panhandle has been recognized by Gov. Joe Manchin as the West Virginia Volunteer of the Year for her tireless efforts.

Betty Russell said the spark to help others in need was ignited within her after learning of the number of the children who attend school in pain from poor dental health. She helped the United Way of the Eastern Panhandle start the Mission of Mercy free dental clinic.

Russell said she prepared for the first M.O.M. clinic by researching similar efforts in other states, and eventually was able to round up a steering committee.

"Children were the main theme when I got involved in this, so we were tying to find ways along with the United Way to help them and also those who don't have dental care," Russell said. "There is a huge need for that around here."

Russell was honored with her award at the annual Governor's Service Awards banquet at the Charleston Civic Center last month.

"Until I won it, I didn't know I was even nominated," she said with a laugh.

Trina Bartlett, director of community impact for the United Way of the Eastern Panhandle, nominated Russell in the first place.

Russell said she learned about the award and the event that she would attend not long after receiving a congratulatory balloon from Bartlett.

"I didn't realize what a big deal it would be," she admitted. "I learned that the awards ceremony was part of a volunteer committee statewide and that every year, they hold a meeting, which brings together everyone who deals with nonprofits in the area."

Administered by Volunteer West Virginia, the state's Commission for National and Community Service honors outstanding individuals, organizations and businesses solving community problems through volunteer service.

A panel of judges consisting of past awardees chooses the recipients on the basis of achievement, community needs, continuing involvement, innovation and impact of service.

"Betty Russell certainly is in the category of volunteers willing to give something back to help others. She was one of only 12 recipients from across the state to receive this special recognition, and I congratulate her on a job well done," Manchin remarked. "Volunteering is the fabric of what makes West Virginia so special. Our citizens are known for going beyond the call of duty to help others live a better quality life."

On July 15, Russell took the stage of the capitol's arena to accept her award from Manchin and his wife, first lady Gayle Manchin.

The awards ceremony honors youth, young adults, adults, seniors, families, organizations, and businesses, with Russell honored in the senior category.

Russell's award was tied to her spearheading the Mission of Mercy clinic, which took place for the second consecutive year at Hedgesville High School in June.

The two-day clinic provided free dental services to nearly 1,500 adults.

"She gives her own time and talent to the project," said Jan Callen, president of the UWEP. " She worked on planning the project consistently for about a year."

Working with the Eastern Panhandle Health and Human Services Collaborative, Russell brought together members of the community to develop a strategy to try to compensate for the lack of sufficient dental care within the region.

Manchin said that since the first day of his administration, he has promoted the importance of healthy lifestyles.

"Dental care is certainly a key component to having healthier citizens, and I appreciate Betty for working tirelessly to bring dental health to the forefront in the area that she serves."

In addition to the two-day clinics, she advocated for the permanent establishment of a nonprofit community dental health center, slated to open its doors by 2010.

"The clinic will be open no matter what because it needs to be open, people need to get care," she said. "We're in the process now."

Russell said she "wrongly assumed" everybody had a place to go to receive dental care.

"I realized that there's no place that you don't have to drive an hour and a half to, and people end up coming to the emergency room, and from there, in my husband's office."

Russell's husband, Dr. Dean Russell, is an oral surgeon.

"Our plan is to educate parents and start seeing children before the bad habits ruin their teeth. Maybe we can make a difference," she said. "That was proven through the M.O.M. clinic, where we had 800 volunteers. I couldn't have done this by myself."

- Staff writer Erienne Greene can be reached at (304) 263-8931, ext. 183, or egreene@journal-news.net