BOARD APPROVES RIDLEY-THOMAS REQUEST TO DEVELOP POLICY FOR LENDING COUNTY MOBILE VANS TO COMMUNITY EVENTS

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 27, 2010                                                                                                                                   Contact:    Ed Maddox 213-361-6980

                                                                                                                                                                              James Bolden 213-200-5314

 

BOARD APPROVES RIDLEY-THOMAS REQUEST TO DEVELOP POLICY FOR LENDING COUNTY MOBILE VANS TO COMMUNITY EVENTS

 

LOS ANGELES – The Board today approved a request by Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas to develop a standard policy and procedure in which community-based non-profit organizations providing much-needed free services can obtain temporary use of the County’s unused mobile medical and dental vans for outreach and health fairs in the County. 

 

“This policy should not restrict usage of the mobile medical and dental vans to events that further the County’s mission to serve those in need,” Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas said, describing an upcoming community event by the American Dental Association (ADA) as an example.

 

On Friday, July 30, the ADA, in conjunction with Rite Aid and Premier Products, will sponsor the "Give a Kid a Smile Program,” a day of fun and festivities, where children ages two through ten will be provided free dental screenings, teeth cleanings and fluoride treatments.  The children will also receive dietary counseling and oral hygiene instruction, as well as free toothbrushes and toothpaste so they can continue to practice good oral health. 

 

“In order to better serve the needs of those who will be attending the free clinic, access and use of the Department of Health Services (DHS) mobile dental van would greatly enhance the ability to provide the services,” The Supervisor said. 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Roger Fieldman, DDS, who also served was the Chief Dental Officer for the two Remote Area Medical events in Los Angeles, estimates that the ADA event could screen and treat up to 200 children using the DHS dental van.  The van is well-equipped for such events and would benefit the children and the community.

 

“The motion would enable volunteers in good standing, like Dr. Fieldman, to utilize our unused medical vans to provide free services, as long as those services are consistent with the County’s mission,” the Supervisor said.

 

The Supervisor noted that the permit to use County mobile vans would be approved in advance by the County’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and County Counsel, with inclusion of the appropriate insurance and indemnification provisions.

 

The Board instructed the CEO to work with the Interim Director of Health Services to report back in 60 days with recommendations. 

#   #   #