April 27, 2021 3:30 a.m.

Mercy Foundation was recently awarded a grant of $14,500 from the Douglas Community Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation for the Healthy Kids Outreach Program.

A release said the funds will help the dental program, nutrition educators and providing education and preventative services for K-12 students in Douglas County.

Mercy Foundation Director Lisa Platt said the gift comes at a very crucial time for nonprofit as children are back in school following a year of multiple closures. Platt said dental clinics and health educators are ready to step up and serve.

Platt said, “Working closely with school leadership, the Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon Department of Education, our foundation team remains committed to ensuring that HKOP clinics and services meet the highest standards and provide safe care to our community youth”. She said the organization continues to develop programs and outreach. Platt said whether local youth are in classrooms or doing online classes, the foundation plans to provide them and their families with the opportunity to continue to receive dental and health care services.