Caddo Parish, LA – February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, and Caddo Parish Parks and Recreation and Miles for Smiles have joined forces to raise the awareness of dental care, oral health and healthy eating for Caddo Parish youth throughout the year.
Caddo Parks and Miles for Smiles will provide a series of educational classes at all Caddo Parish Head Start agencies and schools. The platform will provide pop-up community outreach activities at Caddo Parks sponsored programs, such as sport camps/clinics, athletic leagues, summer camps, health fairs, community festivals and special events.
“Health and wellness is a primary program pillar of our department. We are excited to partner with Miles for Smiles and thankful for their commitment to improve health outcomes within our Caddo Parish communities,” said Caddo Parish Parks and Recreation Director Patrick Wesley.
According to data provided by Statista, Louisiana has one of the highest percentages of children and adolescents aged 1 to 17 years with oral health problems, and further research has shown there is a strong correlation between chronic diseases and poor oral health.
For additional information, contact Anneka Sims-Alexander, Education Coordinator, Miles for Smiles at (318)317-2800 or Cattina Williams, Caddo Parish Parks and Recreation Department Assistant Director at (318)212-0220.