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The Rural Health Medical Program in Selma received a grant from a foundation in California.

The Delta Dental Community Care Foundation gave a $75,000 grant to RHMP to help with COVID-19 response in the community.  The DDCCF has assisted the RHMP in the past.

Dr. Meneka Johnson Nicholson, Chief Operating Officer/Compliance Officer at RHMP, said the company appreciates the donation and enjoy the working relationship with DDCCF.

“Rural Health Medical Program is so thankful to Delta Dental for being a true supporter of the dental needs of rural communities,” Nicholson said. “Year after year, financial support from Delta Dental has allowed Rural Health Medical Program to continue to be a pillar in the community by providing dental specialty services in addition to primary healthcare services.

“These grants have allowed us to purchase the necessary equipment and supplies, hire and maintain dental staff in areas deemed as healthcare shortage areas, and to offset the direct care costs for our patients who are in financial need.”

Kenzie Ferguson, vice president of Foundation and corporate social responsibility for Delta Dental of California, said that it’s important to help communities fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has been a one-two punch for many of our Alabama-based nonprofit partners by increasing the needs for their services while reducing their fundraising capability and ability to rely on volunteers,” Ferguson said.

“We made the decision to allocate nearly all of our 2020 funding to support those fighting on the front lines of COVID-19 and will continue to be a resource to our communities as this pandemic continues.”

Nicholson said that DDCCF played a pivotal role in RHMP reopening.

“Delta Dental further stepped up during the pandemic to provide funding that aided our organization in the transition to reopen while implementing socially distance practices, such as the implementation of a digital check-in system and providing adequate personal protective equipment for staff and patients,” Nicholson said. “Delta Dental has shown us they care and support our organization and communities.”