Endorsements and Plugs Before I Go

I've been promoting BHCHP a lot for all the work they have done to make this trip possible. Now I'd like to take a minute to thank Improv Asylum. As soon as I mentioned going to Haiti I was given time off to leave, and the cast has been super supportive in covering the shows I will be missing (especially Kiley and Jane who have to step up for all the female roles). So ...  thank you everybody!

Also, be sure to check the grand opening of our newly renovated theater in the beginning of March!
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Tuesday, at my favorite laundromat in the world, Don Zar donated a free load of laundry to the Haiti cause, allowing me to get all my scrubs ready for the trip. The Laundry Room Etc., located on Mass Ave near Porter Square is fabulous. It's more expensive than the laundromat near my apartment, but I haul my stuff to Porter just because Don is so great, his place is so clean, and the environment is so cozy. If you have to use a public laundry room, you should go to his. Check out my Yelp review here.
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I won't be able to do it while I'm gone, so please, please remember to vote each day for Boston Healthcare for the Homeless' Dental Clinic to win the Tom's of Maine grant money!! You can vote once a day for up to five different clinics. BHCHP plans to use the money to create a more focused preventative dental program for HIV+ and diabetic patients. Preventing health problems in these patients saves money in the long run. But more importantly, because of the severity of certain complications for diabetics and AIDS patients, it can also save lives.
This means a lot to me, so please go ahead and cast that daily vote!

Tom's of Maine Contest

The Tom's of Maine community voting project continues. You can vote for up to five clinics once a day until March 12th. Please go to the Tom's of Maine website and vote for Boston Healthcare for the Homeless.
We would like to put the $20,000 towards a new initiative to target the dental health of diabetic and HIV/AIDS patients.

..if you just smile

Tom's of Maine is one of my favorite companies because I have loved their products for years and I love their commitment to community. As many of you may already know from talking to me or browsing through Facebook, right now Tom's is getting ready to grant five different clinics a $20,000 sponsorship. And they have decided to let communities vote to determine the recipients.

You can go onto their website every day from now until March 12th and vote for up to five different clinics.

Annnd... (here's where I come in) the dental clinic of Boston Healthcare for the Homeless is one of the clinics in the running. Specifically, they are being considered for their initiative to create more support for HIV/AIDS and Diabetic patients.

BHCHP has been targeting the oral health of homeless men, women and children since 1985.

As of right now they have two locations (Pine Street and Jean Yawkey Place) where our patient population can easily access comprehensive dental services from cleanings to denture fittings.

If our dental clinic is awarded the sponsorship they'll be able to hire a new dental assistant who will be specifically working to provide fluoride treatments and oral hygiene education to patients with HIV, AIDS, and diabetes who are at risk for serious health complications otherwise.

This paradigm shift towards primary preventative healthcare would be huge in stopping very avoidable oral health issues from snowballing into major medical problems.

Please. Please. Please. Take the time to go vote for BHCHP. And maybe a couple other clinics whose ideas you like, too. And remember you can vote every day, for up to five different places.

This kind of financial support in the hands of the dedicated programs listed on the Tom's website can only lead to good things happening for quality, accessible care.