The Boone County Commission approved $494,000 in funding through the county's community health funding. Of that funding, $20,000 was allotted for dental work and eyeglass replacement, according to Columbia Tribune.
Here are five things to know:
1. Cathy Richards, public administrator of Boone County, requested $60,000 in funding but only received $20,000. She plans to continue lobbying for the remaining $40,000.
2. In August, the county commission approved a $5,000 emergency dental fund despite Ms. Richards requesting the money in April.
3. The funding will provide immediate care for patients with abscessed teeth and similar conditions leading patients to the emergency room.
4. In 2005, Medical funding in Missouri was terminated or substantially reduced for various services for individuals in residential care and independent living facilities. Ms. Richards stated the cuts were devastating and impacted "the poorest of the poor."
5. The funding will first serve the worst cases including patients with periodontal disease.
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