Dental Health Equity

Join Uzima Health & Wellness and Leading Athletes to Continued Excellence, L.AC.E. UP, a nonprofit organization, in their collaborative initiative to promote healthy teeth and gums in Black communities and advocate for dental health equity. This powerful partnership brings young athletes together with collegiate athletes in mentorship and with a focus on prioritizing their oral health. By supporting this initiative through your involvement or donation, you can contribute to achieving better dental health equity in Black communities. Together, let’s create a brighter, healthier future for all. Get involved today!

UZIMA Health & Wellness and LACE UP Event

L.A.C.E. Up Events

L.A.C.E. UP for a Healthier Future

Leading Athletes to Continued Excellence, L.A.C.E. UP, a nonprofit organization (501 c(3) pending), was formed with a mission to empower student athletes during the COVID-19 pandemic and help them pursue their dreams of becoming collegiate athletes. With a particular focus on track and field, L.A.C.E. UP provided hope and encouragement to devastated athletes when their 2019 and 2020 outdoor seasons were canceled.

As COVID-19 has exposed the inequities faced by student athletes, particularly those from areas with limited resources, L.A.C.E. UP shifted to bridging this divide and ensuring equal opportunities for minority children who rely on athletics for higher education access. By providing mentorship, access to recruitment metrics, and opportunities to connect with coaches, L.A.C.E. UP strives to be a recognizable organization that enhances the academic and athletic skills of students while facilitating connections with college programs. Join the L.A.C.E. UP movement to support and empower these aspiring student athletes. Together, we can make a difference in their lives.

UZIMA Health & Wellness and LACE Up Event Participants

Support Dental Health Equity for Black Communities

UZIMA Health & Wellness is dedicated to promoting dental health equity in the Black community, especially during these challenging times. The pandemic has greatly affected children’s access to specialized dental care, crucial for those with special needs like autism, cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome. A national poll by C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital revealed that during the COVID-19 crisis, 6 in 10 parents attempted preventive dental care for their child, with a quarter experiencing delays. Notably, Medicaid dental beneficiaries faced three times more difficulties (15%) than private dental insurance holders (4%) in making appointments. This disparity highlights the access challenges for Medicaid-enrolled children. Help combat teeth and gum health inequities in Black communities by supporting UZIMA and LACE Up’s initiative. Donate through the PayPal gateway below and make a difference in ensuring every child receives the dental care they deserve. Thank you for your invaluable support.

Dental Equity Is Health Equity

 L.A.C.E UP and Uzima Health & Wellness highlight the link between oral health and overall well-being, in particular the significance of equal access to dental care in achieving true health equity for all. In Black and underserved communities:

10%
Up to 10% of children aged 2 to 5 have untreated cavities
50%+
More than half of adolescents aged 12 to 19 have had a cavity in at least one of their permanent teeth
25%
One-quarter of adults aged 20 to 64 have untreated cavities

*Cooper LA, Marsteller JA, Noronha GJ, et al. “A Multilevel Quality Improvement Intervention to Improve Racial Concordance and Quality of Care for Black Patients.” Journal of General Internal Medicine. 2019; 34(10): 1968-1974.

Sponsors

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed sponsors who have prioritized dental equity and played a crucial role in bringing the L.A.C.E. UP event to life. Your support has made a remarkable difference in turning this vision into a reality.

Starbucks Coffee Logo
Henry Schein Logo
Colgate Logo
UZIMA Health & Wellness + L.A.C.E. UP logos

Winning Miles, Winning Smiles

 L.A.C.E UP and Uzima Health & Wellness recognize that oral health is an integral component of overall health, and can impact conditions throughout our bodies. Providing equitable access to and quality of dental care is an essential element of health equity for all.

Together We Have the Power to Make a Positive Impact. Connect With Us and Start the Conversation.

The enormous issue of racial health equity can only be addressed through partnership and collaboration. By connecting you with Black communities, Uzima can be your key strategic partner in the mission to create equitable and fair health outcomes for all. Contact us to start the conversation.

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