Increase Access to Dental Care
Since 2017, the state legislature has invested in 31 community health dental clinics that are expanding access to care to approximately 117,000 patients. Unfortunately, Washington still has too many who can’t access dental care, with more than 1.3 million Apple Health enrollees expected to go without care this year.
The health of your teeth and mouth affects all aspects of your life, and everyone deserves dental care. In order to make that possible for more people, we’re calling for $6.1 million in capital investments to build and expand seven clinics to serve geographically and demographically diverse communities across the state.
WA Needs More Health Care Workers
The need for health care workers has never been greater, with all health care settings experiencing workforce shortage emergencies. Health centers serve a critical role in developing the health care workforce through our training, apprenticeship, and community engagement programs. The legislature can be a partner in this work by supporting loan repayment programs, addressing cumbersome licensure issues, and ensuring a wide range of care professionals are covered by payment systems. Each of these efforts should focus on including those who bring the needed wisdom of their lived experience to the field.
Advocate With Us
This year, we’re asking legislators to preserve Washington’s health care safety net, invest in growing the health care workforce, continue investing in community health dental clinics, and fund health insurance expansion to all Washington residents.
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2023 Joint Legislative Days | February 8 and 9
Community health center leaders from across Washington are convening in Olympia on February 8 and 9 to meet with their legislators. In these meetings they will advocate to preserve the health care safety net, expand the health care workforce, and increase dental access. Learn more about our legislative priorities here.
Email us to share your health care questions and/or stories we can share during session.