Neighborcare Health Campaign to Add Expanded Dental Care in Wallingford

The following story was submitted by Mary Schilder, Director of Marketing Communications for Neighborcare Health.

Neighborcare Health is expanding dental care at 45^th Street Clinic

Only 18% of Medicaid users over age 21 in King County had a dental check-up in 2022. (Source: Arcora Foundation). Unmet dental health needs can lead to pain, reduced self-esteem, and risk of potentially life-threatening health conditions. Though the need is high, access to dental health remains out of reach for many in our community.

To address this need, Neighborcare Health is adding two more dental chairs at its historic 45^th Street clinic in Wallingford. The expansion will directly benefit over 2,300 people in the community, with an additional 6,300 dental care visits.

The Washington State Legislature authorized a capital grant contributing $1.75 million toward the $2.57 million project. To reach the finish line, the Neighborcare Health Foundation has set a goal to raise $400,000 by end of April 2025 from generous donors, advocates, and supporters.

History and Gratitude

Neighborcare Health has been a leader in addressing barriers to health care in our community since its roots in the civil rights movement of the 1960s, and has been caring for people at the 45^th Street clinic since 2001. Neighborcare Health as a whole has long been the largest provider of adult dental care in Seattle, and now it is on the cusp of this exciting new chapter.

Long-time Wallingford resident Nancy Long, who is retiring at the end of March as Executive Director of 501 Commons, has also been an important part of the clinic’s history and in amplifying the strengths of nonprofits in our region. She led the efforts forty years ago to save the building from demolition and turn it into a clinic with the goal of removing barriers to health care, after the facility served the community as a fire station and police station for decades before.

In honor of Nancy’s long-standing dedication to our community and the mission of Neighborcare Health, a new award, called the Neighborcare Health Nancy Long Dental Award, was announced at a December 2024 event at the clinic. This annual award will go to one exceptional graduate of Neighborcare Health’s dental program and one dental health professional in our community who exemplify Nancy’s dedication to high-quality, accessible care. 

How to Get Involved

Neighborcare Health is inviting members of the community to support the expansion of dental services with a financial contribution. Now more than ever, protecting and increasing access to quality health care is critical to a thriving community.

Learn more:  Neighborcare Health 45^th Street Dental Campaign https://neighborcare.org/dentalcampaign .

Clinic Tours: Witness firsthand how investments will be used. Experience an intimate look at one of Neighborcare’s comprehensive care facilities and hear directly from our expert dental staff. Contact [email protected] for opportunities.

Other ways to support quality, accessible health care

Wallingford neighbors are also invited to join Neighborcare Health’s Spring Give events to support critical programs and be in community with those who believe in accessible health care for all:

March Event: Reproductive Health Care

• Date: March 20, 2025, 6:00pm – 8:00pm
• Location: NEXUS Seattle top floor Sky Lounge, 1808 Minor Avenue, Seattle
• Keynote Speaker: Jiquanda Nelson, CEO of People Decoders

April Event: School-based Health Centers

• Date: April 23, 2025, 6:00pm – 8:00pm
• Location: Roosevelt High School Commons Room, 1410 NE 66th Street, Seattle
• Keynote Speaker: Dr. Ben Danielson, Center Director at AHSHAY

May Event: Healthcare for our Unhoused Neighbors

• Date: May 22, 2025, 6:00pm – 8:00pm
• Location: Sullivan Center, 14350 Tukwila International Blvd, Tukwila
• Keynote Speaker: King County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda