Community Dental Care's 1-Year-Anniversary

I recently joined community leaders, patients, community dental clinic representatives, and more, to celebrate the 1-year-anniversary of Community Dental Care. The clinic was made possible by a bill I was proud to champion, a $1.4 million bonding bill for construction of the clinic colocated in the Wright County Government Center. Our community really came together as dozens of individual donors and local businesses joined together to contribute $1.2 million to furnish and equip the clinic, where 25 dental professionals and staff care for our community.

During the celebration, we learned that over the last year in Buffalo, there have been 12,318 patient visits, 5,261 unique patients, and 1,721 urgent or emergency visits. The numbers prove what an incredible benefit this clinic has been to our community, and I?m proud to have been a lead sponsor of the bill.

DNA Law Makes a Difference

The Pioneer Press recently?ran an article?about the statewide initiative to test all rape kits that a bill I passed several years ago started. During this initiative, it was discovered that DNA from a nearly 20 year old rape case matches the man the victim accused, and he has now been charged with the crime.

This is just one of the many examples of the positive outcomes that will result from testing every rape kit in the massive backlog at the BCA. I am glad this survivor has gotten justice, and I hope to see many more receive justice soon.