Nonprofit dental health care center signs lease

This is the future home of the Healthy Smiles Community Oral Health Center, which might be able to see patients as early as January 2010. (Submitted photo)

MARTINSBURG - A home has been found for a new nonprofit dental health care center in Martinsburg.

The Board of Directors of Healthy Smiles of the Eastern Panhandle announced Thursday that it has entered into an agreement with L. Allen Henry, owner of Rental Properties Inc., to lease a 2,500-square-foot space at the corner of U.S. 11 North and Warm Springs Avenue in Martinsburg.

Henry agreed to complete construction of the space at his cost, and it will become the Healthy Smiles Community Oral Health Center. This nonprofit Oral Health Center will provide dental care to all community members, including the uninsured.

Healthy Smiles of the Eastern Panhandle Inc., a nonprofit organization, was formed in 2008 to increase access to dental care for all Eastern Panhandle residents. Its members have been working to open a clinic for the past year and half.

Dr. Dean Russell, president of the Board of Directors of Healthy Smiles, said, "We have many to thank, but I especially want to thank Allen Henry. Without his generosity and flexibility in working with us, we would not have reached this important milestone so soon. Eastern Panhandle residents who could not otherwise afford dental services will now have a place to go for their dental care."

Henry, named a 2007 Philanthropist of the Year by the Community Foundation, is involved in a number of charitable endeavors. He said he became involved with the Healthy Smiles initiative because there was a great need and he was able to help the organization achieve its goals.

"I am happy that my business can help make a difference in the lives of so many," he said in a news release.

The construction of the facility will be completed by early fall, when Shenandoah Valley Medical System will assume operational responsibility for the center. Russell said staff recruiting will start soon, with the goal of seeing patients in January 2010.

Grants and donations have been received to purchase the equipment needed for the clinic, however, funds still are needed to support the startup of operations. A capital campaign chaired by Mary Clare Eros was announced recently, with the goal of raising $300,000 in the next three years.

More information is available by calling the United Way of the Eastern Panhandle at (304) 263-0603.

- Staff report