East Central Reporter

Sarah Bush Lincoln Healthy Communities announced it raised $17,325 for its Dental Program through the 2025 Races for all Paces event. The funds will support dental care services for children in the area.

The SBL Dental Program offers both preventive and restorative dental care to local children. Preventive services are delivered by a mobile dental team that visits schools, while restorative treatments take place at the clinic located at 225 Richmond Avenue East, Suite B, in Mattoon. Volunteer dentists also provide additional restorative care in their own clinics for children who require more extensive treatment.

“We were so grateful for the community’s support at Races for all Paces, and that enables us to give back to the community in great ways,” SBL Healthy Communities Director Tracy Haddock said. “The dental program helps so many children in our communities, and the proceeds will allow us to continue to provide that service.”

In 2024, the SBL dental team visited 66 schools across the region and served nearly 2,800 children using its mobile bus. During these visits, a total of 18,874 procedures were performed. According to program data, 61 percent of treated children had active tooth decay.

Haddock expressed appreciation to everyone who participated in Races for all Paces as well as volunteers, employees of Sarah Bush Lincoln, and partners who contributed to making the event successful.

SBL acknowledged First Mid Wealth Management and SC3F Wealth Management as Title Partners for Races for all Paces. Rural King was recognized as a sponsor of the 10K race and KC Summers sponsored the 5K race.

For further information about SBL Healthy Communities or its programs, interested individuals can contact them at 217-345-6822.