Calgary's less fortunate to receive dental and health care at new clinic at The Mustard Seed

Let's work together to end mental health challenges and poverty.

CALGARY, Jan. 11, 2013 /CNW/ - Calgary's most vulnerable and low income will now have free access to dental care and health services with the opening of the Pure North Outreach Health and Dental Care Clinic at The Mustard Seed.

The newly-improved clinic will be adding five dental chairs and provide physician services and preventative healthcare five days a week.

The Pure North program is a unique intervention in health promotion: running since 2003, it has over 17,000 clients participating.

The program offers cutting edge health services to the homeless and vulnerable populations with the goal of improving and educating clients on their current health as well as preventing future health complications. Pure North and Renew Dental lease the space from The Mustard Seed so the clinic is in close proximity to the population it serves.

Since August 2011, the clinic has assisted over 1000 vulnerable/ low income guests with full dental work, including the safe removal of mercury amalgam fillings. The use of amalgams in dental care leads to environmental damage, occupational exposure and mercury exposure for the patient. Preliminary data shows health gains for Pure North participants are associated with improved earnings and productivity, increased well-being and a reduction in spending on hospitalization and physician services: $1 in spending results in $12 in health care savings and societal benefits. At a time where acute care costs are increasing rapidly, there is the potential to reduce hospital utilization by as much as 23%. Premier Alison Redford will be in attendance at the grand opening, along with the Chief of Police Rick Hanson and benefactor Allan Markin. Representatives from Pure North Outreach Health and Dental and The Mustard Seed will be available for photos and interviews at the event.

Date: Friday, January 11, 2013
Time: 11:00am
Location: The Mustard Seed
106 11 Ave. SW

About The Mustard Seed:
The Mustard Seed is a Christian non-profit organization that has been caring for the needs of the less fortunate since 1984. Through its three ministry centres across Alberta, The Mustard Seed delivers basic services, housing and employment programs to those in need and partners with the community to address the root causes of poverty. For more information, visit theseed.ca.

About The Pure North Foundation:
Pure North is a not for profit foundation which empowers participants to feel better and live longer by promoting and encouraging healthy living through education, nutritional and lifestyle advice. The Foundation ensures that those who have limited access to medical care, poor medical knowledge and are exceptionally committed are not denied preventative and integrative medical services. Pure North has research findings that directly correlate the presence of mercury amalgams, toxicity and poor mental health.

SOURCE: tinePublic Inc.

Sara Campeau, Communications Coordinator
The Mustard Seed 403-512-8209
[email protected]

Christian Darbyshire
[email protected]
587-352-5053