Smiles Project merges with CATCH

Fallbrook is unique and special in many ways, including the ability to use its best assets to help the community. A great example of this is the Fallbrook Smiles Project (FSP). FSP is really a resulting combination of three great organizations, Fallbrook Smiles Project, Operation Clear Vision (OCV) and Fallbrook CATCH (Community Access to Child Health), that have recently merged. Together, their mission is to improve access to oral and medical health for children and indigent adults.

FSP was begun by community leader Don Mykkanen and local dentists Dr. Randy Carlson and Dr. Katie Stewart. The group provides dental screenings and education in the local elementary schools using the voluntary efforts of dental professionals. FSP also provides low- or no-cost dental care to children and adults who otherwise may not be able to afford services.

Under the umbrella of FSP is Operation Clear Vision, which provides glasses to military dependents. San Diego optometrist Dr. John Fitzpatrick is the founder and coordinator of this project.

Fallbrook CATCH, a program of the American Academy of Pediatrics, was begun several years ago by pediatrician Dr. William Moody. Meeting on a monthly basis, healthcare professionals and interested community members are kept abreast of children’s health issues. When Dr. Moody left Fallbrook, Dr. Christine Taft took over as lead.

The first major project of CATCH was the Fallbrook Childhood Diabetes Prevention Project (FCDPP). Comprised of BMI and blood glucose screenings, healthy lifestyle education and an exercise task force, the FCDPP grows each year and is becoming well-known in the arena of childhood obesity and diabetes prevention.

FSP is a 501c3 nonprofit. It receives funding from the Fallbrook Healthcare District, Fallbrook Rotary and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Local volunteers are key to the success of the programs. Collaboration with many entities including local elementary school districts, the Public Health Department and SDSU School of Nursing is imperative.

The new board for Fallbrook Smiles Project includes President Denny Lindeman, Treasurer Jack Wood and Secretary Dr. Randy Carlson. Part-time employees are Janine Loescher, RD, CDE, CLE, Diabetes Educator/Coordinator, and Loreta Villemez, Grant Writer/Coordinator.

With this new alliance, FSP will be able to provide increased services to the community. For more information, call an FSP coordinator at (760) 638-2797 or (619) 261-0871.