Hopkinsville (Sept. 27, 2004) – A fluoride varnishing clinic for children under 6 years of age will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 29 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. by the Hopkinsville Commission for Children with Special Health Care Needs (CCSHCN). It will be held at Trover Clinic in Madisonville Kentucky at 200 Clinic Drive, on the second floor. The service is free and no insurance cards are required.

Fluoride varnishing is a good way to protect children’s teeth from cavities, which helps improve overall health. "If there is less of an opening for infection to get in the body, the better our chance to stay healthy," said Janet Harper, RN, program coordinator of the CCSHCN’s Hopkinsville office. While dental care is not a typical service of the CCSHCN, staff is happy to partner with the local health department in support of the dental varnishing program. "We’re doing this as a way to give back," said Harper, "and as nurses we are always looking for ways to help people stay healthy. This is one way to help our families help themselves."

The Commission for Children with Special Health Care Needs, part of the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, has 14 regional offices in Kentucky, including Hopkinsville. Satellite clinics are also held in other locations around the state. The CCSHCN serves children and youth with physical disabilities to age 21. For information about services through the Commission for Children with Special Health Care Needs, call the Hopkinsville office at (270) 889-6047 or (800) 727-9903. The statewide number is (800) 232-1160.

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