A big thanks to the local dentists who donate thousands of dollars in dental care each year, providing several hundred adults with dental care they would otherwise have gone without.

A press release from Whatcom Alliance for Healthcare Access notes the work of two programs: Donated Adult Dental Program coordinated by Interfaith Community Health Center since 2006 and the Alliance's Whatcom Project Access Dental, which started last summer.

In the adult program, dentists volunteer their time at the clinic two or three days a month. In 2011, 28 dentists donated care through this program, providing services valued at $54,440 to 170 patients.

Whatcom Project Access Dental was launched last July with funding from the Washington Dental Service Foundation. In this program, dentists treat patients within their own practice during their regular business hours, and decide the number of patients they will see each month. In the program's first year, 21 dentists saw 116 patients, donating services valued at $72,000.

"It has been a very successful first year," said Lara Welker, program manager at the Whatcom alliance. "Dentists have been incredibly generous, and we hope to bring even more dentists on board."

Dental care is a significant unmet need for low-income adults in our community, according to the press release. In a recent survey of low-income residents in Whatcom County, affordable dental care was ranked "as extremely important" and "very hard to get."

For more information about the Donated Adult Dental program, contact Meagan Swanlund at meagan_swanlund@interfaithchc.org or 360-676-6177, extension 1102. For more information about Whatcom Project Access Dental, contact Lara at lrwelker@hinet.org, 360-788-6588.

REFINERY DONATES TO RED CROSS

Phillips 66 Ferndale Refinery has donated $15,000 to the to Mount Baker Chapter of the American Red Cross to help buy a four-wheel drive vehicle to tow a supply trailer, according to a press release. The vehicle will take first-aid supplies, drinking water, food and other materials to flood victims. It will also be useful in hilly areas or swamped flatlands, taking food, equipment and volunteers to help people who must abandon their homes.

RE SOURCES APPOINTS NEW DIRECTOR

Crina Hoyer has been appointed executive director of RE Sources for Sustainable Communities, according to a press release. She had been serving as the interim executive director since February.

"We all agree that Crina is the best person to move this organization into the future," said Ken Bronstein, president of RE Sources board of directors. "Her history with the organization, first-hand knowledge of local environmental issues and her strong leadership skills make her the perfect person for this job."

LIBRARY PATRON WINS E-BOOK DRAWING

Lynden Public Library patron Mark Warren won a Kindle Fire in a drawing from the Whatcom County Library System. Participants in the library's usability study were eligible for the prize donated by the Whatcom County Library Foundation,

"I come to the library often and was happy to help with the study," he said. "I can't wait to start downloading eBooks from the library!"

A press release said the purpose of study was to improve the library's current website.

Out and About runs Mondays in The Bellingham Herald.

Reach JULIE SHIRLEY at julie.shirley@bellinghamherald.com or call 715-2261.