MHA Supports Oral Health for Children at Square One

SPRINGFIELD — MHA, a Springfield-based nonprofit provider of residential and support services for people impacted by mental illness, developmental disabilities, substance abuse, and homelessness, is donating 200 toothbrushes and tubes of toothpaste to children who attend preschool at Square One.

The oral-hygiene supplies will be delivered to Square One’s Tommie Johnson Child & Family Center at 255 King St., Springfield, on Friday, July 13 at 11 a.m.

“MHA became aware of the need after seeing a post by Square One on social media,” said Kimberley Lee, vice president of Resource Development and Branding for MHA. “We decided this presented a great opportunity to support another local nonprofit, and what better way than by helping young children smile?”

Added Kristine Allard, chief Development & Communication officer for Square One, “we couldn’t be more grateful to our friends at MHA for recognizing that early education extends beyond learning to read, write, and count. Good oral hygiene plays a vital role in a child’s long-term success. That’s why we incorporate daily brushing into our curriculums for our early-learning programs and in our family-support services.”

MHA President and CEO, Cheryl Fasano emphasized the correlation between physical health and emotional wellness. “As an organization with programs focused on the overall social determinants of health, MHA knows that oral health is inherently tied to overall physical health, which in turn is directly linked to emotional health and wellness. When a child is experiencing oral health issues, they are not feeling well, neither physically nor emotionally. Early education is an incredibly important platform to expose children to the life-long physical and mental wellness benefits of good oral health. MHA is thrilled to support Square One in their commitment to oral health in children and families.”

In addition to distributing the brightly colored child-sized toothbrushes and tubes of toothpaste to Square One’s children, Fasano will also participate in a read-aloud with children sharing a story, “Brush Your Teeth Please” about the importance of brushing young teeth.