Springfield, IL (myPressManager.com) May 24, 2012
The Illinois State Dental Society Foundation and CURE Network will co-host the second Mission of Mercy, or “MOM,” at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake on June 8-9. Nearly 1,500 volunteer dentists, hygienists, physicians, nurses, optometrists and others from throughout Illinois will provide an estimated $1 million in free basic dental, medical and vision care to patients who would not otherwise have access to necessary treatment. “We are prepared to see 1,000 patients per day, and hope to accommodate more if we can,” said Dr. Mark Humenik, State MOM Chair. “In order to treat as many patients in the best way possible, we are offering three areas of services: dental, medical and vision. The patient’s priority condition will be served first.”“Basic medical screenings include high blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, and women’s health, including breast exams and PAP smears. Vision professionals will conduct eye exams and screen for glaucoma and macular degeneration. Prescription eyeglasses will be made on site by Midwest Labs of Chicago,” adds Dr. Ken Nelson, Co-Founder and Chair of CURE Network.Here are some important things that prospective patients should know:• Not all dental services will be available. Emphasis will be on basic dental care, such as fillings, extractions and cleanings.• No appointments will be taken.
• No pre-registration is available.
• Care is provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Doors will open at 6:00 am.
• There are no income eligibility requirements; anyone can receive treatment.
• No false teeth (dentures) will be made.
• Patients with serious health problems may not be able to receive dental treatment. Issues may include extremely high blood pressure, high blood sugar levels, and severe disabilities.
• If a medical issue is discovered during the initial screening process, the patient will be further evaluated.
• Patients may not receive all dental, medical, and vision care that is needed; the most critical issues receive priority treatment.
• Recommended items for patients to bring to MOM:o List of current medications and a one-day supply
o Baby supplies for a full day (diapers, formula, etc.)
o Eyeglasses (if you plan to visit the vision clinic)
o Something to help you pass the time, such as reading material, knitting, crossword puzzles, etc.
o Water and snacks If a patient is in severe pain NOW, don’t wait until the Mission of Mercy. Seek treatment immediately!Lake County Fairgrounds
Grayslake, Illinois
Friday-Saturday, June 8-9
Doors open at 6:00 am
The Mission of Mercy will serve to highlight the serious problem that Illinois citizens have in accessing dental and medical care. The event will relieve some suffering, but it won’t solve the problem. Only the Illinois Legislature can provide the solution through adequately funding the Medicaid program in Illinois, which was drastically cut in the 2013 state budget. More information on the event is available by clicking on the home page “Mission of Mercy” graphic at http://www.ISDS.org.
The Texas Taxpayers and Research Association today released a report, “Equal and Uniform…sort of” analyzing the findings of the performance audits of Texas’ 253 central appraisal districts. The study was compiled from the results of individual reviews of local appraisal districts conducted by State Comptroller Susan Combs’ Property Tax Assistance Division under a requirement in House Bill 8, passed into law in 2009 by State Representative John Otto and Senator Tommy Williams.The Comptroller’s evaluation was an effort to determine if appraisal districts have the very basic tools needed to do their job— appraise property at its fair market value. Initially, the review found that roughly one in three districts lacked up-to-date maps and documentable procedures. In over a third of the districts the Comptroller was unable to reproduce the values assigned to the property. “The most troubling finding is that districts were found to be most lacking in appraisal standards and procedures—their core mission,” said TTARA’s senior researcher, John Kennedy. “The Texas Constitution guarantees that taxation will be equal and uniform. That right is threatened if taxpayer property is not uniformly appraised at market value. It is little comfort to know that your house is fairly valued only to find out that your neighbor’s is not. Your heftier tax bill subsidizes their benefit,” Kennedy said.The good news is that most appraisal districts have already corrected almost all of their identified deficiencies. Some, however, remain sorely behind. Eight districts not only failed to correct their deficiencies before the results became final, but also could not address them in the ensuing year. These districts have been reported to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation for further enforcement action. The Texas Taxpayers and Research Association (TTARA) is a non-profit, non-partisan membership-supported organization of businesses and individuals interested in state and local fiscal policies in Texas and the way those policies impact our economy. TTARA members operate in every part of Texas; they employ and provide incomes to thousands of Texans; they produce or provide every type of good or service Texans consume; and, they provide a huge portion of the revenue that supports public services at every level of government. TTARA has been recognized as the state’s leading organization specializing in tax and fiscal policy for more than 50 years.