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Mark Levy DDS has been awarded the Annual Janice B. Ballas Community Service Award for his outstanding service and involvement in the Henry Schein Dental Holocaust Survivors Oral Health Program.The Annual Janice B. Ballas Community Service Award was established in 1991 by Jewish Family Services and is awarded to individuals who make significant contributions to enriching the fields of mental health and social services for Jewish Family Services along with the general community. Dr. Levy and the local Columbus Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity participated in the Henry Schein Dental Holocaust Survivors Oral Health Program. The program, which began in 2014, provided pro-bono dental care to nearly 300 Holocaust survivors in the first year alone.
The Henry Schein Dental Holocaust Survivors Oral Health Program launched in response to a request from the White House to assist Holocaust survivors to age with dignity. The need for assistance from programs such as this is tremendous. Of the approximate 120,000 Holocaust survivors in the United States, approximately 25% live in poverty. The program helps these survivors by providing free oral care to those who are provided assistance through Jewish Family and Children’s Service agencies and partner organizations. The program also assists individuals of any faith that fell victim to Nazi persecution and meet the requirements of the program.
When asked about the experience, Dr. Levy said, “What an honor to be recognized by Senator Sherrod Brown and one of the recipients of the Jewish Family Services Annual Janice B. Ballas Community Service Award.” Dr. Levy, along with nine other Jewish dentists in Columbus had the privilege to participate in the Henry Shein Dental Holocaust Survivor’s Oral Health Program and treat one of Columbus’ local Holocaust survivors.
The success of the program relies largely on the generosity of participating practitioners. In addition to financial need, the program prioritizes participation based on elimination of pain, restoration of function, and lack of dental coverage. Without the program, many of these survivors would not be able to receive dental treatment. Many of the survivors suffered nutritional deprivation for prolonged periods of time and have had little to no dental health care. This has led to the survivors often having special oral health care needs. The estimated value of the dental care provided within the first year of the program was approximately $1 million. The program will be expanded in coming years to cover more cities in order to help more people.
Dr. Levy shared, “Spending time and providing free care for this survivor was an incredibly special experience and one that I will certainly never forget. Being able to make a difference to those that suffered so much in my own lifetime is an honor and a privilege.”
Contact Info:
Name: Mark Levy, DDS
Email: Send Email
Organization: Mark Levy, DDS
Address: 1925 Hilliard Rome Rd, Hilliard OH 43026
Phone: (614) 777-7350
Website: http://www.marklevydds.com
Release ID: 111272