The Salvation Army Announces Closing of Johnstown Dental Center
JOHNSTOWN, PA (January 10, 2022) –The Salvation Army Western PA Division announces today that it will close its Johnstown dental center in January and in its place, we hope to offer financial assistance for the dental healthcare needs of the most vulnerable in the community.
The Salvation Army is developing a financial dental assistance program for local patients who are not insured or who lack the funding to pay in full for dental services, despite the closing of its brick-and-mortar dental center.
“We are laying the foundation to work with local dentists to offer this assistance to vulnerable populations in Johnstown who need this critical care,” said Major Gregory Hartshorn, Commanding Officer, The Salvation Army Western PA Division. “Many of us have experienced the urgent need for a dentist, whether it’s a toothache or a dental emergency that requires immediate attention. While our center is closing its physical doors, the support for these services will remain as we work to create new partnerships and identify funding to continue this critical work in the community.”
The Salvation Army Johnstown Dental Center had initially planned to move to a new location in November, but experienced obstacles in the wake of rental property issues that had not come to light until the move was imminent. This center had been operating in the community since its opening in 2013.
“Over the last decade, The Salvation Army Johnstown Dental Center provided a much-needed service to the community, and through new and innovative programming, that service will continue,” said Captain Ted Tressler, Divisional Secretary for Property. “The dental healthcare support we offer to the community moving forward will look different with the loss of a physical building, however, our presence and passion for giving our neighbors the support they need remains unchanged as we will continue to provide patient connections and financial assistance for dental care to those in need in the community.”
The Salvation Army Johnstown Worship and Service Center remains open and fully functioning, offering year-round services including comprehensive social services, youth and senior programming, weekly Sunday worship, and so much more.
Celebrating over 150 years of global service as both a church and a social service organization, The Salvation Army began in London, England in 1865. Today, it provides critical services in 132 countries worldwide. The 28-county Western Pennsylvania Division serves thousands of needy families through a wide variety of support services. To learn more about The Salvation Army in Western Pennsylvania, log on to www.wpa.salvationarmy.org. The Salvation Army … doing the most good for the most people in the most need.
Contact:
Stephanie Rex, Director of Marketing and Public Relations
The Salvation Army Western Pennsylvania Division
Email | Office: (412) 446-1642 | Cell: (412) 463-2942