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Run for Woods 5k and 1-Mile Fun Run in Langhorne On Sunday, May 7, 2023 to Raise $250,000 For Individuals with Disabilities

 

Results: https://www.runtheday.com/results/summary/68967
Program: https://www.woods.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/RunForWoodsProgram23.pdf

 

Woods Services, a nonprofit organization that provides care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, and emotional/behavioral challenges, has a fun morning planned on Sunday, May 7, 2023, for runners, walkers, and rollers of all abilities participating in the 2023 Run for Woods 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run presented by Faulkner-Ciocca Dealerships. The festivities, which include an appearance by a Philadelphia sports team’s fan-favorite mascot, kick off with an opening ceremony at 8:45 a.m., followed by the 5K at 9:00 a.m., and the 1-Mile Fun Run at 9:10 a.m. Participants meet at 10 Meadowood Drive in Langhorne, and run, roll, and stroll through the scenic trails at Woods Services. The registration fee is $45 and participants can register at RunForWoods.org. This is the ninth year for the event. New this year is the Sunday date; Run for Woods has previously been held on Saturday.

 

During the opening ceremony, Woods President and CEO Tine Hansen-Turton will honor a Bucks County police officer who has had a significant impact on improving the quality of life for people with disabilities and challenges.

 

“We are immensely grateful to our sponsors, team leaders, runners, rollers, walkers, Bucks County neighbors, and our Woods families and friends for their outpouring of support for the 9th annual Run for Woods,” Hansen-Turton said. “Their participation helps Woods Services provide exceptional educational, vocational, and recreational opportunities that enrich lives and increase independence. We are also pleased to honor a Bucks County community member and recognize the positive impact they are making in the lives of the children, adolescents, and adults Woods serves.”

 

Run for Woods has already raised $235,000 of its $250,000 goal from 53 sponsors in Bucks County and the Greater Philadelphia community, more than a dozen race fundraising teams, and individual participants. Funds will support Woods Services in its mission to provide innovative, comprehensive, and integrated healthcare, education, housing, vocational, behavioral health, and case management services to children, adolescents, and adults who have intellectual and developmental disability and mental health challenges who have complex and intensive medical and behavioral healthcare needs.

 

Prizes will be awarded to the top male and female finishers in each age category. With the $45 registration fee, all participants will receive an official race t-shirt, race medal, and will have an opportunity to enjoy other event amenities including Rita’s Water Ice. Participants, community members and businesses are also invited to underwrite participation for a Woods resident and their support staff member with a donation of $90. They are encouraged to share photos and videos with the Woods community and family and friends using #RunForWoods on social media. For more information, visit RunForWoods.org, where you can also view a Run for Woods video.

 

Woods Services thanks presenting sponsor Faulkner-Ciocca Dealerships, and a long list of 2023 Woods Services Run for Woods sponsors, including:

The 2023 Run for Woods Gold Sponsors

Ally; Ethos Group; Homestead Smart Health Plans; Johnson, Kendall & Johnson; M&T Bank; Ocugen; Parx Casino; Synergy Pharmacy Services; TD Bank

The 2023 Run for Woods Silver Sponsors

Conner Strong & Buckelew; Hangley Aronchick Segal Pudlin & Schiller; Barry & Michelle Sharer; Subaru of America

The 2023 Run for Woods Nature Trail Sponsor

McBrick Building Group

The 2023 Run for Woods Bronze Sponsors

A&K Industrial Corp.; Alice DeVoe & John Szabo;  Allies, Inc.; Angelo’s Carpet One; Autotrader; Capital Health; CARFAX; CDK Global; ECI Comfort; Enterprise Rent-a-Car; Experian; The First National Bank & Trust Co. of Newtown; Hyundai; Legacy Treatment Services; PFM Asset Management; Razor Technology; Ricciardi Brothers/Benjamin Moore; Rob’s Automotive & Collision Center; Tabor Children’s Services; Top to Bottom Home Improvements, LLC; Zimmerman Auto Body.

Friendship Sponsors

Accurate Building Services; Archway Programs; Ardex Labs; Bayada Home Health Care; Bob’s Discount Furniture; Boyle Construction; Brian’s House; Cars.com; Crown Holdings, Inc.; Fenningham Dempster & Coval, LLP; Margolis Edelstein; Marshall, Dennehey, Warner, Coleman & Goggin; Petro Home Services; Ridge Policy Group; Roscommon International

 

About Woods Services

Woods Services is a nonprofit organization that supports children, adolescents, and adults with complex medical and behavioral health care needs, including intellectual and developmental disabilities, to achieve their highest potential and independence through innovative and individualized approaches that promote learning and personal fulfillment. Woods’ vision is a world where individuals have opportunities and supports that promote self-determination, dignity, respect, the joy of achievement, and a fulfilling life. Woods achieves this vision by providing comprehensive and integrated healthcare, education, housing, vocational, behavioral health, and case management services, along with a population health management strategy that includes the integration of primary and specialty medical care with behavioral health. More than 600 individuals from 23 states and 175 school districts are supported by Woods and its 1,500 staff at its Langhorne, Pennsylvania headquarters.

 

To ensure lifelong care and supports for the individuals its serves, Woods created the Woods System of Care – a network of affiliate organizations located in Pennsylvania and New Jersey that includes Abilities of Northwest Jersey; Allies, Inc.; Archway Programs; Legacy Treatment Services; Tabor Services; and Woods Community at Brian’s House. Through this collaboration, the Woods System of Care provides lifelong care and supports to individuals in the intellectual and developmental disability and mental health public health sectors who have complex medical and behavioral health care needs.

 

Founded in 1913 by Philadelphia schoolteacher Mollie Woods to advance the quality of life and standard of care for individuals with disabilities, Woods continues this mission today. For more information, visit woods.org.

Woods Services, RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care Partner to Open the First New Jersey­–based Integrated Primary Care and Behavioral Health Care Center for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Autism  

New Jersey’s largest provider of I/DD services joins the state’s largest hospital system to dramatically improve access to care for an underserved population

 

RWJBarnabas Health, Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care, and Woods Services, are joining forces to establish the very first integrated primary and behavioral health care center for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and autism in New Jersey.

 

The Governor and the New Jersey Legislature recognized the critical need for I/DD services by supporting a grant of $800,000 toward the startup costs for the initiative. The world-class center is expected to open to families and individuals in early 2024 at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton in Hamilton, Mercer County, New Jersey. The Center will serve individuals who live in the central New Jersey region, with future plans to expand services to other areas of the state.

 

By providing equitable access to primary, specialty, and behavioral health services, this Center will improve health outcomes and reduce the overall costs of care for children and adults with I/DD and autism, and related behavioral and medical conditions, many of whom currently face a severe lack of services.

 

Individuals with intellectual disabilities traditionally have poor health outcomes and a life expectancy that is nearly 20 years below that of the general population. Many have multiple severe conditions that require highly specialized services and careful care coordination across medical, social, and community services. Communication barriers, mobility issues, and severe mental or behavior concerns make care needs complex and difficult to access, creating significant health inequities. Furthermore, there is an extreme shortage of providers who can or will work with this complex population of largely Medicaid recipients, in part because of the need for longer office visits and specialized skills, lack of accessible medical offices, and low reimbursement rates. As a result, gaps in care are common and people in this population experience significant disparities in access to care and health outcomes.

 

This Center will address and overcome these barriers by providing innovative, comprehensive, and coordinated care across primary, specialty, and behavioral health settings. Patients of the center may receive comprehensive medical and behavioral services onsite or through outpatient telehealth and in-home visits. The addition of telehealth will extend the program’s reach and remove barriers to care that are unique to the I/DD and autistic populations.

 

“We are excited to partner with RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care to bring Woods’ highly successful and leading edge Patient-Centered Primary Care Model to New Jersey,” said Tine Hansen-Turton, Woods President and CEO. “Through the Medical Center at Woods, our model has shown that providing integrated primary care and behavioral healthcare can increase both access to and quality of care and, at the same time, lower overall Medicaid and Medicare cost of care by at least 20% by decreasing emergency room visits and inpatient hospitalization.”

 

“This new partnership highlights our shared commitment to increasing the capacity of existing primary care and behavioral health providers serving individuals with I/DD, ensuring that these patients receive the attention and specialized care they deserve,” said Frank A. Ghinassi, PhD, ABPP, Senior Vice President of Behavioral Health and Addictions services at RWJBarnabas Health and President and CEO of Rutgers University Behavioral Health. “Building a robust program of experts and a network of providers dedicated to caring for the I/DD population is a major step forward in addressing the gaps in care that these patients face all too often.”

 

About Woods Services and System of Care

Woods Services is a nonprofit, life cycle care management and advocacy organization that, along with six affiliate organizations located in Pennsylvania and New has formed a System of Care which provides innovative, comprehensive, and integrated health, education, housing, workforce, behavioral health, and case management services to more than 22,000 children and adults in the intellectual and developmental disability, mental health public health sectors who have complex and intensive medical and behavioral healthcare needs.  For more information, visit woods.org.

 

About RWJBarnabas Health

RWJBarnabas Health is the largest, most comprehensive academic health care system in New Jersey, with a service area covering eight counties with five million people. The system includes twelve acute care hospitals – Clara Maass Medical Center in Belleville, Community Medical Center in Toms River, Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, Jersey City Medical Center in Jersey City, Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus in Lakewood, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset in Somerville, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton in Hamilton, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Rahway in Rahway and Trinitas Regional Medical Center in Elizabeth, three acute care children’s hospitals, Children’s Specialized Hospital with a network of outpatient pediatric rehabilitation centers, a freestanding 100-bed behavioral health center, two trauma centers, a satellite emergency department, ambulatory care centers, geriatric centers, the state’s largest behavioral health network, comprehensive home care and hospice programs, fitness and wellness centers, retail pharmacy services, affiliated medical groups, multi-site imaging centers and two accountable care organizations.

 

RWJBarnabas Health is among New Jersey’s largest private employers – with more than 38,000 employees and 9,000 physicians– and routinely captures national awards for outstanding quality and safety. RWJBarnabas Health launched an affiliation with Rutgers University to create New Jersey’s largest academic health care system. The collaboration aligns RWJBarnabas Health with Rutgers’ education, research and clinical activities, including those at the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey – the state’s only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center – and Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care.

 

About Rutgers University Behavioral Care

Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care (RUBHC) provides a myriad of programs to address behavioral and physical health with individuals, families and communities throughout their lifespan. Services include all levels of care, such as inpatient, outpatient, community-based programs, integrated physical and behavioral health and 24-hour national peer help lines. RUBHC is dedicated to advancing science through programmatic research and educating the current and next generation of health care professionals.

Legacy Monte Carlo Night to Honor Miller Family of Miller Transportation Group on March 18

The Legacy Foundation will honor the Miller Family of Miller Transportation Group at its annual Monte Carlo Night on March 18, 2023 at The Merion in Cinnaminson.

 

The fundraiser will support Legacy Treatment Services and the vulnerable members of the New Jersey community. Monte Carlo Night provides a wonderful networking experience filled with charitable gaming, delicious food and drink, and live music (featuring pop favorites and jazz classics), along with special entertainment such as a roaming magician. Guests will have opportunities to bid on hotel packages, experiences, tickets to attractions, elaborate gift baskets and much more during the silent auction. In addition, there will be chances to bid on exciting items such as concert tickets, exclusive dinner packages and more during the live auction, head by Legacy CEO Roy Leitstein. At the end of the night, guests will be able to convert chips into tickets for an opportunity to win terrific prizes, all while supporting a great cause.

 

Charles, Melissa and Mark Miller are being honored for their continued generosity and efforts to provide for the community. The Miller Transportation Group began in 1912 as a small Ford dealership in Mount Holly as the Mount Holly Garage, which was founded by William A. Jones. Today, the company has grown to include Miller Ford Lincoln, Miller Subaru, Miller Auto Leasing, Miller Truck Leasing and many subsidiaries in the trucking business.  From supporting local youth teams, participating on local school boards, to fostering animals at the dealership, and supporting Legacy Treatment Services, helping the community is a bright spot for the Miller family and their employees.

 

With more than 70 programs throughout New Jersey, Legacy serves over 20,000 individuals a year. Legacy offers a full continuum of services including prevention programs, crisis intervention, outpatient therapy and psychiatric services, substance abuse services, therapeutic foster care, residential programs, juvenile detention alternatives, case management, developmental disability services, and a special education school. All of Legacy Treatment Services’ programming aims to change the behavioral health and social service outcomes for people of all ages from surviving to thriving.

 

For information on Legacy Monte Carlo Night, sponsorships, tickets, and more –  visit www.legacymontecarlonight.com, and follow Legacy Treatment Services on social media!

Social Innovations Journal Announce the WINNERS of the 2023 New Jersey Social Innovations Awards

On Thursday, February 23, 2023, The Social Innovations Journal (SIJ) hosted the inaugural 2023 New Jersey Innovation Awards, where New Jersey’s Leaders presented awards in Human Services, Social Mobility, Education, Arts and Culture, Systems and Policy Change, and Health to 69 Finalists. The Social Innovation Award Finalists were selected through an open nomination and public voting process by residents of New Jersey.

 

The theme of the awards, “Celebrating Innovations in the Social Sector,” to highlight the novel ideas from healthcare, healthcare systems, hospitals, direct care service providers, educators, funders, government, and advocacy organizations, working in the social sector in New Jersey who have a shared commitment and drive to improve our society, to improve conditions for all community members regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, income, race or ethnicity, and to improve systems and policies so that people have access to the services they need to thrive. The Social Innovation Awards is honored to bring this award to New Jersey to highlight the state’s most passionate social innovators, entrepreneurs and changemakers whose work and social impact too often goes unacknowledged. These efforts will be recognized among the region’s best; they are what make our communities thrive for all people.

 

Tine Hansen-Turton, Co-Founder of the Social Innovations Journal stated, “these awards honor our region’s most passionate social innovators, entrepreneurs and changemakers whose work and social impact too often goes unacknowledged, yet their efforts are what makes our communities across the New Jersey thriving region of innovation and opportunity they are for all people”. Vanessa Briggs, Host and Presenter stated “these awards are New Jersey’s most valued Social Sector Awards because finalists were nominated and recognized by colleagues who “know” who are authentic regional change agents.”

 

The New Jersey Social Innovation Awards have been sponsored by the regions organizational social sector leaders including: RSM, NJACP, Woods System of Care, Rutgers University Behavioral Healthcare, RWJBarnabas Health, Conner Strong & Buckelew, Salem Health & Wellness Foundation, Paycom, Legacy Treatment Services, Acenda Integrated Health, Archway Programs, Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services, Homestead Smart Health Plans, Allies, NJAMHAA.

 

The New Jersey Social Innovation Award Presenters include the region’s industry thought leaders:

  • Cory Storch, President & CEO of Bridgeway
  • Frank Ghinassi, President & CEO, Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care
  • Mike Haggerty, President & CEO, Allies
  • Joe DiBella, Executive Partner, Connor Strong & Buckelew
  • Debra Wentz, President & CEO, New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies
  • Nancy De Leon Link, Chief Administrative Officer, Homestead Smart Health Plans
  • Tim Titus, Career Ownership Coach
  • Michele Juliana, Principal, RSM Business Applications
  • George Richards, President & CEO, Archway
  • Melissa Fox, COO Acenda Health
  • Valerie Seller, CEO, New Jersey Association of Community Providers
  • Roy Leitstein, Chief Executive Officer, Legacy Treatment Services
  • Vanessa Briggs, VP, Population Health & Equity, Woods System of Care
  • Tom Grant, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer Woods Services
  • Liz Hayden, Vice President of Strategy Development, Woods Services
  • Paul DiLorenzo, President & CEO, Salem Health & Wellness Foundation
  • Traci Jordan, Chief Operating Officer, PCS

 

The Winners are…

COMMUNITY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

Innovative service models in behavioral health leading to emotional, psychological, and social well-being.

  • 1st Shannon Reese, Salem County Department of Health & Human Services
  • 2nd Derry Holland, CEO, Oaks Integrated Care
  • 3rd The SERV Foundation Scholarship Fund, SERV Behavioral Health System
  • RUNNERS UP:
    • Joseph Haber, Legacy Treatment Services
    • SERV Foundation Wellness & Development Conference, Scholarship Fund, SERV Behavioral Health

 

HEALTHY COMMUNITIES

Innovative service models integrating social determinants of health and health care, services that strengthen families, and approaches that ensure a healthy environment and other community conditions.

  • 1st: Peri Nearon, Executive Director, New Jersey Department of Disability Services, New Jersey Department of Human Services
  • 2nd: Rayletta Garrison, Kylen Robinson and Bianca Dumas Youth Consultation Services
  • 3rd: Tianna Gresham, Tinks Golden Girls
  • RUNNERS UP:
    • Karly Forman, Raise the Bar Family Services Inc
    • Cristina Jones, Easterseals, NJ

 

 

INNOVATIVE MODELS FOR ACHIEVING HEALTH EQUITY

Innovative strategies or models of care that reduce health disparities and or improve social or economic conditions.

  • 1st Julia Taylor, Trenton Health Team
  • 2nd Jennifer Papa, City Green
  • 3rd Salvation and Social Justice (for the Trenton Restorative Street Team)
  • RUNNERS UP:
    • Rachel Patti, Archway Step by Step
    • James Carlino, Chief Human Resources Officer, Bancroft (Runner up)
    • Joseph Collins, School Health Insurance Fund (Runner up)

 

 

INNOVATION IN SERVICES FOR SPECIAL POPULATIONS, INCLUDING PEOPLE WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY AND/OR AUTISM, MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES, AND OLDER ADULTS

Innovative strategies and services that improve health outcomes and quality of life.

  • 1st Dr. Wendy Aita and Dr. Jennifer LeComte, Rowan Integrated Special Needs Center
  • 2nd James Paoletti and Dan Minko, Spectrum Sports LLC
  • 3rd Tracy McShea, Archway SBS
  • RUNNERS UP:
    • Lyndee Breece, The PILOT Services
    • Porsche Laws, Kelsch Associates

 

 

COMMUNITY VOICE IMPACT

Novel strategies to promote community voice inclusion and belonging that influence program and/or policy, with a focus on improving health equity for medically underserved populations at greatest risk for poor health.

  • 1st CHOICES, RWJ Medical School, Div of Addiction Psychiatry: Represented by Patricia Dooley
  • 2nd Ayana Abdul-Raheem, Timbuk2 Academy
  • 3rd Family Resource Network
  • RUNNERS UP:
    • Paul Aronsohn, Ombudsman for Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities and Their Families State of New Jersey
    • Linda Thomas, Red Ribbon Academy’s Medical Day Program

 

 

POPULATION HEALTH IMPACT

Innovative strategies improving clinical health outcomes, improved care coordination and patient engagement supported by appropriate financial and care models for a disadvantaged or minority population.

  • 1st Lisa Vara and Buddy Garfinkle, Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services
  • 2nd Michelle Joo, Oaks Integrated Care
  • 3rd Stacey Edwards, Archway Programs
  • RUNNERS UP:
    • Samantha Kunz, LPC, Division Director Adult Services, Legacy Treatment Services

 

 

PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY IMPACT

Sustained innovative, practice, and or policy changes(s) in response to the COVID pandemic.

  • 1st Keri Basler and Kevin Kelly, Legacy Treatment Services
  • 2nd Dr. Kerri Powell, CEO ,Neighborhood Health Services Corporation
  • 3rd Jay Patel, Union Avenue Pharmacy
  • RUNNERS UP:
    • Jeff Chesebro, Princeton Partners

 

 

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Innovative service models leading to earning a living wage and economic freedom, especially targeted to typically marginalized groups.

  • 1st Dan Rhoton, Hopeworks
  • 2nd Susan Perron, Abilities Solutions
  • 3rd SERV University, SERV Behavioral Health System
  • RUNNERS UP:
    • Cindy Wildermuth, CEO, Abilities of Northwest New Jersey
    • Ricky Alfaro, Allies
    • Mickie Patetta, Archway Programs

 

 

EDUCATION

Innovative ideas that advance access to high-quality education and/or interventions and services that allow people to enter post-secondary education, vocational programs or employment.

  • 1st Theresa Wilson-Fall, Allies
  • 2nd Riscee Langhorne, Director, Workforce Internship Pathways at Hopeworks
  • 3rd Susan Lafferty, Archway Programs
  • RUNNERS UP:
    • Ana Alfaro, NJDOE (Camden county)
    • Susan Recce, ASAH
    • Mary Bawarski, School Accounting Professionals

 

 

HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Innovative attainable, stable or permanent housing service models that strengthen individuals, families and communities.

  • 1st Amy Scartocci, New Jersey DDD
  • 2nd Victor Luna, CEO, Collaborative Support Programs of New Jersey
  • 3rd Dr. Manuel (Manny) Guantez
  • RUNNERS UP:
    • SERV Properties and Management, SERV Behavioral Health System
    • Tom Toronto, Bergen County’s United Way

 

 

INNOVATIVE FUNDER STRATEGIES

Funders who take an innovative approach to social sector investment strategies.

  • 1st LorieAnn Wilkerson-Leconte, Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund
  • 2nd Cheryl Mackey, United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey
  • 3rd Ajay Raju, Ark Institute
  • RUNNERS UP:
    • Paige Carlson-Heim, Renee Rattigan, and Shelly Sylva, TD Charitable Foundation

 

 

INNOVATIVE PARTNERSHIPS

Innovative cross-sector approach to solving complex social or environmental issues on a large scale, especially to help those with complex needs.

  • 1st Stephanie Simon, Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services
  • 2nd Kathleen Noonan, President, Camden Coalition
  • 3rd Advocates for Children of New Jersey Represented by Mary Coogan
  • RUNNERS UP:
    • Ellie Willoughby, The J-Cares Intern Program
    • Dana Redd; Dr. Reginald Blaber, and Donna Antenucci, Camden Community Partnership and Virtua Health
    • West Bergen Mental Healthcare and Vantage Health System Represented by Karen Acker and Teresa McMahon
    • Anthony Mongeluzo, PCS

 

LEGISLATIVE IMPACT

Innovation through policy reform and improvements in financial models to improve service delivery and reduce barriers to care.

  • 1st Kate Kelly, Integrated Community Project Manager, Supportive Housing Association of New Jersey
  • 2nd Edward Dobleman, Legacy Treatment Services
  • 3rd Joanne St. Amand, A Voice of Reason
  • RUNNERS UP:
    • Martha Cray and Alieen Rivera
    • Donna Gomez, ASAH
    • Brian Woods, Chief of Staff at 8th Legislative District Office

Woods Partners with University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine to Provide Leading-Edge Oral Health Care for Individuals with Disabilities

 

On February 3, 2023, Woods Services, a Pennsylvania- and New Jersey-based nonprofit organization that serves children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and acquired brain injuries, and the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, one of the leading dental schools in the United States, cut the ribbon on Penn Dental Medicine at Woods, Mikey Faulkner Dental Care Center. The state-of-the-art dental care center on Woods’ Langhorne, Pa., campus, is providing enhanced and leading-edge dental treatment for Woods clients and residents. Starting in March 2023, services will expand to include the surrounding disability community, including former clients and residents of Woods who are still in need of care.

 

Residents and staff of Woods Services, doctors and representatives of Penn Dental Medicine, donors, and community members participated in the opening ceremony, which featured remarks from Tine Hansen-Turton, Woods president and CEO; Dr. Mark Wolff, Morton Amsterdam Dean of Penn Medicine; and Dr. Marc Henschel, director of Penn Dental Medicine’s Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) program. Attendees also joined a tour of Penn Dental Medicine at Woods, Mikey Faulkner Dental Care Center, which includes five operatories with state-of-the-art equipment, quiet space for those needing a lower-stimulation environment, a waiting area and reception check-in, and conference room.

 

In addition to meeting the dental care needs of individuals with disabilities, Penn Dental Medicine at Woods, Mikey Faulkner Dental Care Center is helping prepare the next generation of dentists to care for patients with disabilities.

 

“Woods is pleased to announce our partnership with the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, and to work with the school’s dean, Dr. Mark Wolff, to enhance dental services for our clients and residents,” said Tine Hansen-Turton, president and CEO, Woods Services. “Penn’s personalized care and interdisciplinary team approach are perfectly aligned with Woods, as is its emphasis on preparing the next generation of dentists to care for patients with special needs. Penn’s dentists are now able to perform procedures at our on-campus dental clinic that in the past would have required a visit to a specialist for treatment. This expansion of services will be less disruptive for our clients, further enhancing their quality of life,” she said.

 

Dr. Mark Wolff was appointed in 2018 as the new Morton Amsterdam Dean at Penn Dental Medicine and brought with him international renown as a pioneer and leader in teaching and providing care for patients with special oral health needs. Upon arrival, he established dental care for persons with disabilities as a priority for the school and set about raising money, renovating a space, and hiring team members, each with 20+ years of experience treating patients with special health care needs. In 2021, Penn Dental Medicine opened the state-of-the-art Care Center for Persons with Disabilities at Penn Dental Medicine, and under his leadership, Penn has established a national reputation for excellence in treating the dental needs of people with disabilities and in training dental students to care for these individuals.

 

“We are thrilled to be expanding our service and care within the community through this Woods partnership,” says Dean Wolff. “It not only allows us to help provide comprehensive care to the Woods clients, but also offers an invaluable setting for our students to gain experience caring for individuals with a wide range of disabilities.” Postgraduate students within Penn Dental Medicine’s Advanced Education in General Dentistry program will provide clinical care at the center under close faculty supervision.

 

Woods’ existing dental clinic was extensively renovated and modernized to create Penn Dental Medicine at Woods, Mikey Faulkner Dental Care Center, with renovations and operational expenses made possible through generous donations from foundations and individuals. Woods Services is grateful to the Donald B. and Dorothy L. Stabler Foundation for supporting start-up operational expenses for Penn Dental Medicine at Woods, Mikey Faulkner Dental Care Center, and to the Joseph and Mary Faulkner Family Foundation, Eamon Foundation, The McLean Contributionship, TD Charitable Foundation, and Simon and Lisa Kimmelman for supporting the renovations. The waiting room renovation was made possible by the Joseph and Mary Faulkner Family Foundation.

 

Woods is organized around the principles of population health management and addresses the social determinants of health through a comprehensive continuum and system of care that connects prevention, wellness, education, behavioral health, and social services with coordinated and integrated healthcare delivery. “The Medical Center at Woods serves as a national model for providing comprehensive, coordinated personalized care for people with complex diagnoses and medical conditions, like Mikey Faulkner, current Woods client and the clinic’s namesake,” Hansen-Turton said. “The opening of Penn Dental Medicine at Woods, Mikey Faulkner Dental Care Center continues Woods’ commitment to providing an integrated healthcare experience for our clients – an approach that optimizes outcomes for individuals.”

 

Woods Opens Dental Clinic