News

Funding to screen for diabetes at Hunt School of Dental Medicine and private dental practices

March 19, 2024

The Paso del Norte Health Foundation recently awarded a $166,990 grant to the Hunt School of Dental Medicine at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso to expand the school’s Diabetes and Dentist program.

El Paso County is facing a diabetes crisis, with an estimated 15% of adults affected by the disease. This percentage is higher than both Texas and national averages. Around 94,000 El Pasoans have been diagnosed with the disease, which places a significant burden on healthcare and communities.

The program would expand diabetes screening beyond the dental school to private dentistry practices in the community through early detection and resource referrals.

Patients would be asked to complete a questionnaire to help identify their diabetes risk levels. Those at risk will be offered a free finger-prick blood screening, educational material, and resources.

The Health Foundation is committed to leading, developing, and funding organizations and systems improvements, evidence-based programs, and awareness activities for diabetes prevention, early detection, and management in our region. Working with Hunt School of Dental Medicine and local dentists, we look to identify at-risk individuals and establish a proactive engagement between healthcare providers and patients, aiming to promote a healthier future for our region.

To learn more about this program, contact Michael Kelly, Vice President of Program, Paso del Norte Health Foundation, at mkelly@pdnfoundation.org.