DULUTH- St. Louis County honored The Ely Community Health Clinic (ECHC) on April 4 with a Public Health Achievement Award, one of four given out by the county board on Tuesday.
The awards are given by the commissioners and the county’s Public Health and Human Services Department to recognize recipients for “their work to improve the health of individuals and communities in St. Louis County.”
Groups or individuals must be nominated for the awards, which are given based on five criteria, including: leadership, public health contribution, community health improvement, collaboration, and advocacy. The awards are presented annually as part of National Public Health Week, held this year on April 3-9.
According to the executive director of the ECHC, Helen Tome, the nomination originated from the Ely office of St. Louis County Public Health “for the work we did with the dental program.” ECHC expanded its no-cost services to provide free dental cleanings by appointment, as described in the Feb. 3 edition of the Timberjay. Along with cleaning teeth, the ECHC received funding to establish a “dental innovator” position, currently filled by Tome, to find dental care for the center’s clients who need care beyond a simple cleaning. The dental innovator can aid in locating a dentist who will accept a client’s insurance, refer clients to child dental services, and work with local dentists to provide emergency care.
“I believe this is great recognition for ECHC to spread the word about our programs in Ely.
The ECHC is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization which provides basic non-emergency medical care and healthcare referrals at no cost. The center is located at 33 E Chapman St. It is open every Thursday evening from 5:30-7 p.m. for the medical clinic and for fluoride varnish treatments for teeth. Routine dental cleaning is available by appointment, with a current waiting time of approximately one month. The ECHC also runs the Wellness Wednesdays at the Ely Senior Center. The ECHC can be reached through their website, elyommunityhealth.org or through their office at 218-365-5678.