Press Releases

This past weekend I had the opportunity to participate in an event that I found truly inspiring and want to share a little about my experience.  My wife and I traveled to Saint Mary’s County, Maryland, to volunteer for the first Mission of Mercy sponsored by the Southern Maryland Dental Society.

 

We were quickly welcomed and put to work as members of the over 400 volunteers assembled to bring free dental care to under-served residents of Southern Maryland.  When we arrived, there were already hundreds of local residents waiting to see a dentist, often for the first time in many years.  Many had waited since before the clinic opening time of 6:00 AM.

 

We found the gymnasium of Chopticon High School a beehive of activity with close to 100 dental chairs surrounded by dentists, assistants and dental hygienists working on patients - all volunteers – contributing their time.  Other areas of the school were set up as areas for reception, registration, triage, x-ray, waiting areas, pharmacy, and check-out.  In addition, there were areas for volunteer registration and feeding.

 

Karen and I were able to interact with numerous patients for whom this was their only opportunity to see a dentist.  Some had been living with discomfort, pain and embarrassment for months or years.  In spite of the crowds and long waits they freely expressed their appreciation for what the dentists and other volunteers were doing.

 

We now have the opportunity to bring a Mission of Mercy to our area.

 

With your help, we will bring a Mission of Mercy to the Eastern Shore.  Sponsored by the Eastern Shore Dental Society, it is scheduled for March 15 & 16, 2013 at the Wicomico Youth and Civic Center.  We need to raise $65,000 to underwrite the cost of expenses that cannot be met by in-kind donations.  The Community Foundation has established the Eastern Shore Mission of Mercy Fund and is contributing the first $10,000.

 

Planning for the Eastern Shore Mission of Mercy is moving fast.  I am strongly urging your support of this project.  I have seen first-hand what this will do to change the lives of hundreds of Lower Shore residents.

 

To learn more you can call me (410-742-9911) or go to the website www.easternshoremissionofmercy.org.

 

We hope we can count on your support of this worthwhile project.

 

Spicer Bell