Political Quotes

“Thank you, Congressman Payne. Something I want to speak about is oral health. As we discuss the state of black America, I want to address a topic that is so often left out of the public health discourse, and that is the issue of oral health in America. Earlier this year, the CBC Health Braintrust recognized National Children's Dental Health Month, and back in February I had the opportunity to go around my district in a mobile dental van to observe local dentists performing free oral health screenings around the community. These types of effort matter, and oral health is a critical piece to overall health wellness. The sad fact is that all across our Nation, many communities are experiencing serious oral health crises. Far too many people in urban, suburban, and rural America are lacking access to dental care, despite the efforts of committed dental professionals and social service organizations. We must recognize that access to dental health care across the country is not equal. Each year, nearly 50 million Americans, including 16 million low-income children in underserved communities, go without the oral health services they need. As we continue the national discussion on improving health care and reducing health disparities in America, it is important that oral health be central to the conversation. When officials discuss health care and wellness, they should remember that the mouth is connected to the rest of the body.…”