The Munroe Meyer Institute (MMI) is committed to equitable access to “serious medicine and extraordinary care” for all people. The Caring for Champions program at MMI was established to help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities live healthier lives by removing barriers and improving access to allow individuals with IDD cross the lifespan bridge the gap of healthcare disparities.
The MMI Caring for Champions initiative will expand in August with the opening of the new dental clinic at the Munroe-Meyer Institute building at 6902 Pine St., and we couldn’t be more excited and proud.
MMI and the Truhlsen Eye Institute already have partnered to open a clinic that offers vision screening, exams and services. Now, the UNMC College of Dentistry will provide dental services to families seeking care at MMI. Through this partnership, MMI and the College of Dentistry will provide comprehensive, on-site dental care to individuals seeking oral health care. The College of Dentistry last had a clinic at MMI in 2011; as they return, they will be serving the MMI community from a state-of-the-art clinical space that maximizes accessibility not only for clients, but guardians and caregivers.
And there is more to come. Additional Caring for Champions wellness initiatives are being put in place, including a wellness program manager with experience working as a dietitian with the neurodiverse community. Watch for more information on this aspect of the program soon.
These initiatives will come together — and work with MMI’s existing departments and programs — to educate and provide clients and their families avenues toward more healthful lives. When MMI opened its new building, we were excited not only for the new space, but for the opportunities it provides. The Caring for Champions program is a prime example of the type of new collaborations we are creating.
Everyone has the same right to health care resources, but it takes a collective effort to make it happen. MMI is excited to be providing access to some of these resources in its new home.