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Springfield, Mo. (KY3) – Dozens of runners braved the scorching heat this morning to run just over 3 miles in Ava.
It wasn’t all just for fun. They did this to help children in a few rural counties in the Ozarks get the dental care they need.
“It’s like a mobile dental office on wheels,” said Dr. Sybil Fortner, director of dentistry for Missouri Ozarks Community Health.
The health organization uses a dental bus to provide care to at-risk children in Ozark, Texas, Wright and Douglas counties.
“Some of these kids may not have transportation to get to a brick-and-mortar clinic. Maybe they had a toothache in the nurse’s office and couldn’t get it treated. We’ve been able to address a lot of that need,” Forner explained.
Missouri Ozarks relies on the Children’s Health Fund to pay for community health services.
“It’s an investment fund that we use,” said Randall Gann, the health organization’s chief financial officer. In fact, you are looking for a return on your invested funds. Then use it to benefit the community and children.
Some of the money in that fund is raised through community events like Saturday’s Health Drive 5K walk/run.
“We love supporting the kids,” said runner Carrie Davis.
Contestant Robin Wheeler said, “I have 17 grandchildren. It’s always good to help the kids.
“I am 77 years old this year. It was challenging for me, but I try to work all year to stay in shape,” said runner Carol Turner.
Nurse Practitioner Shari Cook also participated in the race.
“It’s nice to be a part of that by giving back to the community,” she says.
Fortner says it gives doctors the ability to provide much-needed care.
“All I get to do is show up and take care of kids like I want to do. It’s like a dream come true,” she said.
Contest winners were awarded $100 Visa gift cards. Many donated their winnings to the Children’s Health Fund of the Missouri Ozarks.
The organization raised more than $1,000 on Saturday.
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