Gus M. Bilirakis
10/18/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/18/2024 08:59
Congressman Bilirakis, Local Dentists and Pasco-Hernando State College to Once Again Provide Free Dental Care to Veterans in Need
New Port Richey, FL: The Office of Congressman Gus Bilirakis, the West Pasco Dental Association and Pasco-Hernando State College are delighted to announce their annual Stars, Stripes, and Smiles event, which will take place in New Port Richey on November 8, 2024. As part of this exciting initiative, dentists within the community have volunteered to provide urgent dental care to 75 military Veterans living in Pasco County who have been suffering with untreated dental pain and infection- all at no cost to Veterans. Veterans in need of dental services should contact Congressman Bilirakis's office at 727-232-2921 to sign up for treatment. They will be taken on a first come, first serve basis. The press is invited to attend and to help share information with Veterans in need of assistance.
Oral health is an integral part of overall well-being and unfortunately, dental care through the VA is limited to those who are 100% disabled or have a direct service connected injury impacting their oral health. "Our Veterans have sacrificed so much in defense of our freedom and they deserve access to high quality health care. I am continuing to push a bill that will expand Veterans' access to dental care, however, I am very grateful for the generosity of the dentists from the West Pasco Dental Association who are not waiting for a change in law. They are ensuring our heroes receive immediate attention and I am honored to help organize this important event," stated Congressman Gus Bilirakis.
Services offered through this special event will include: professional dental cleanings, dental fillings, and tooth extractions. "These heroes deserve a system of care to ensure their oral health care needs are met. Until that can become a reality, it is our professional privilege to serve this special segment of our community," said Dr. Zacharias Kalarickal of the West Pasco Dental Association.