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Health department seeks $30,000 pediatric dentistry grant to improve care for anxious and neurodivergent children
Summary
Elkhart County Health Department asked commissioners for permission to apply for a $30,000 American Academy of Pediatric Dentists infrastructure and clinic development grant to buy calming tools and clinical supplies for children with anxiety or neurodivergent conditions; commissioners approved the application unanimously.
The Elkhart County Health Department asked the county commissioners on Sept. 22 for permission to apply for a $30,000 grant from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentists to purchase clinic and waiting-room items to reduce anxiety for pediatric patients, particularly those who are neurodivergent.
Andrew Biles of the health department said the grant would fund infrastructure and clinic development only and would not create new positions. "This would be an infrastructure and clinic development grant, so no new positions," Biles said. He described examples of intended purchases: sterilizable comfort items children can hold during treatment, tools for the waiting room and clinical space, and parent-education materials.
Biles said staff have observed rising incidents of high-anxiety pediatric patients whose behavior has resulted in staff injuries. The commissioners approved the department's request to apply for the grant unanimously; staff noted no further county match or budget commitment was required at the application stage.
