August 20, 2020 3:30 a.m.

The Healthy Kids Outreach Program of the Mercy Foundation has received a $20,000 grant for its dental program, for COVID-19 related services and supplies.

A Mercy Foundation release said the funds are coming from the Oregon Community Foundation.

The release said the gift “…comes at a very crucial time…as a new process for outreach dental clinics in the fall is underway”. Mercy Foundation staff have been strategizing with local school leadership, the Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon Department of Education, according to the release.

Mercy Foundation Director Lisa Platt said they have been notified by OHA and ODE that they will be able to continue their clinics under mandated restrictions and safety measures for community youth. Platt said regardless of whether local youth are in classrooms or doing classes online, the plans are to provide them and their families “…with the opportunity to continue to receive dental services”.

The release said the Oregon Community Foundation is the largest public charity in Oregon, and has provided grants for COVID-19 relief efforts to 562 nonprofits across the state.