CHP Teams Up with Homeless Shelters for Children’s Oral Health

Losing a home, even temporarily, can have a terrible impact on a child’s ability to attend and do well in school. The Homeless Education Resource Network (HERN, formerly the Homeless Student Initiative) supports homeless children so they can have “stable learning experiences in school.”

GSDM’s Division of Community Health Programs recently teamed up with HERN at a symposium for homeless shelter providers. The aim of the event was to inform the participants how to maintain wellness in themselves and their clients. About 50 people attended the event at Jubilee Christian Church in Mattapan.

Clinical Instructor Dr. Lina Benslimane and Dental Health Educator Krissie Gibbs set up tables and gave out samples of toothbrushes, toothpaste, and flyers about the Smart Smiles Program in Boston Public Schools.

The event was sponsored by Boston Public Schools. Other participating groups included the Boston Public Health Commission, Boston Medical Center, Shell Education, school teachers and support staff, shelter directors, and case managers.

You can follow HERN on the group’s facebook page.