‘Press Releases’ Category

To help connect family, friends and loved ones, UScellular is offering customers free calls to Turkey and Syria from the United States. From Feb. 8 through March 9, customers can make outbound calls to Turkey and Syria with no international dialing rates applied.

Postpaid customers will have charges automatically waived. Prepaid customers whose plans allow for international dialing can call customer service at 1-888-944-9400 or *611 from their mobile phone to receive credits for applicable calls.

For more information on UScellular’s international dialing options, go to https://www.uscellular.com/plans/international/long-distance.

About UScellular

UScellular is the fourth-largest full-service wireless carrier in the United States, providing national network coverage and industry-leading innovations designed to help customers stay connected to the things that matter most. The Chicago-based carrier provides a strong, reliable network supported by the latest technology and offers a wide range of communication services that enhance consumers’ lives, increase the competitiveness of local businesses and improve the efficiency of government operations. Through its After School Access Project, the company has pledged to provide hotspots and service to help up to 50,000 youth connect to reliable internet. Additionally, UScellular has price protected all of its plans, promising not to increase prices through at least the end of 2024. To learn more about UScellular, visit one of its retail stores or www.uscellular.com. To get the latest news, visit newsroom.uscellular.com.

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For more information, contact: 

Kelly Harris 

(314)898-8116 

kelly@hausergrouppr.com 

(more…)

In celebration of WGU Missouri’s 10th anniversary, the nonprofit, fully accredited, online university has announced it is awarding $100,000 in scholarships to new students who are interested in furthering their education. Since its establishment in February 2013, WGU Missouri has been committed to providing high-quality, convenient and career-boosting college education to residents across the state, including busy adults who have some college experience but no degree. The WGU Missouri 10th Anniversary scholarships, valued at up to $10,000 each, underscore WGU’s mission of making higher education more attainable for Missourians looking to strengthen their skillsets and advance their careers to meet the demands of today’s workforce.   

WGU Missouri has shown consistent annual growth since it was founded a decade ago. The university, which was created through a partnership with the national Western Governors University and Gov. Jay Nixon, currently has 3,361 enrolled students, a steady increase over last year, and has conferred degrees to 7,004 graduates, 15% of whom graduated in the past 12 months. Across the state, WGU Missouri employs 224 staff members, has awarded more than $4.3 million in scholarships, and has built partnerships with 74 businesses, institutions and organizations in an effort to create new opportunities for their employees to earn their degrees affordably and take their careers to the next level. 

WGU Missouri has been credited with helping individuals earn their college degrees who otherwise couldn’t easily complete or afford a traditional college program. The average student age is 35, with more than 64% of attendees coming from underprivileged populations or being first-generation college students. Additionally, 69% of students work full-time while pursuing their degrees. These grads are quickly seeing a difference in their lives as more career opportunities become available. As a result, students earn an average of $18,200 more within two years of graduation. Within four years, that number grows to $25,900 for WGU grads. 

“While higher education and the need for certain workforce skills have changed considerably over the last decade, WGU Missouri has remained committed to finding new, innovative ways to meet the ever-evolving needs of our students and the current job landscape,” said Dr. Terrance Hopson, Regional Vice President of WGU Missouri. “We are proud to provide an affordable, flexible college education alternative for all Missourians – particularly those underserved adults with life commitments and financial obstacles that might otherwise prevent them from furthering their education in a traditional setting. We look forward to continuing to empower many more adults to go back to school and earn their degrees in the next 10 years and beyond.” 

WGU Missouri focuses on high workforce-need areas, offering more than 80 bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in business, information technology, K-12 teacher education and health professions, including nursing. Unlike a traditional college program, WGU caters to adults with previous or current work experience who are looking to further their careers through education. WGU Missouri’s competency-based education model allows adult students to complete their programs by studying on schedules that fit their lives, advancing as soon as they demonstrate they’ve mastered the subject matter. 

To be considered for WGU Missouri’s 10th Anniversary scholarship, new and prospective students must be Missouri residents, be admitted to WGU Missouri, and submit a scholarship application online by June 30, 2023. Scholarships will be awarded based on the student’s academic record, previous college experience, readiness for online study, current competency and other considerations. The scholarships will be applied at the rate of $2,500 per six-month term, renewable for up to four terms toward WGU’s already-low tuition of approximately $3,800 per six-month term for most programs. For more information about the 10th Anniversary scholarship, visit missouri.wgu.edu/10th.
 

About WGU Missouri 

WGU Missouri is a competency-based, online university created to expand access to higher education for Missouri residents. The university offers more than 80 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the fields of business, K-12 teacher education, information technology, and health professions, including nursing. WGU Missouri faculty members serve as mentors, working one-on-one with students, offering guidance, support, and individualized instruction. 

Established in 2013 through a partnership with nationally recognized Western Governors University, WGU Missouri is open to all qualified Missouri residents. The university is nonprofit and self-sustaining on flat-rate tuition of about $7,600 per year for most programs. 

Degrees are granted under the accreditation of Western Governors University, which is accredited through the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Nursing College programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE*), and the Health Informatics program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). More information is available at Missouri.wgu.edu or by calling 855.948.8493. 

*Western Governors University offers nursing programs that are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 5380, Washington DC 20036, 202-877-6791). 

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For more information, contact: 

Merisa Ashbaugh 

314-436-9090 

merisa@hausergrouppr.com

(more…)

WGU Missouri today announced it invested more than $615,000 in scholarships to new and returning students during the 2022 calendar year. The fully online, nonprofit university offers a robust scholarship program to provide students with a more affordable path to going back to school, helping to make the dream of higher education a reality for busy adults across Missouri.  

Although WGU Missouri is known for its affordable tuition and competency-based model that allows students to graduate faster, university-funded scholarships have been key in helping lower tuition even more. In just this past year, the university awarded 238 scholarships, totaling $619,092, to students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees in business, K-12 teacher education, information technology, and health professions, including nursing. Since WGU Missouri’s inception, the university has awarded 1,743 scholarships to students, totaling more than $4.3 million.  

“We are always excited to award our students with scholarships that allow them advance their education more affordably,” said Dr. Terrance Hopson, Regional Vice President of WGU Missouri. “WGU Missouri is committed to providing affordable pathways to higher education for the thousands of Missourians who have some college experience but no degree, and our scholarship program is an integral part of that mission. It is fulfilling to see how many students in Missouri have been able to meet their educational goals with the assistance of these scholarships.” 

WGU Missouri awards scholarships based on three factors: meeting the basic eligibility requirements, application quality, and financial need.  Scholarships are awarded to students following an online application process. The scholarships department consistently awards scholarships throughout the year, as new students are admitted to their programs each month. To learn more about the scholarships that WGU Missouri has available, visit wgu.edu/financial-aid-tuition/scholarships.html. 

About WGU Missouri 

WGU Missouri is a competency-based, online university created to expand access to higher education for Missouri residents. The university offers more than 80 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the fields of business, K-12 teacher education, information technology, and health professions, including nursing. WGU Missouri faculty members serve as mentors, working one-on-one with students, offering guidance, support, and individualized instruction.  

Established in 2013 through a partnership with nationally recognized Western Governors University, WGU Missouri is open to all qualified Missouri residents. The university is nonprofit and self-sustaining on flat-rate tuition of about $7,600 per year for most programs. 

Degrees are granted under the accreditation of Western Governors University, which is accredited through the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Nursing College programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE*), and the Health Informatics program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). 

More information is available at missouri.wgu.edu or by calling 855.948.8493.  

*Western Governors University offers nursing programs that are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 5380, Washington DC 20036, 202-877-6791). 

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For more information, contact: 

Merisa Ashbaugh 

314-436-9090 

merisa@hausergrouppr.com

(more…)

In celebration of the life and legacy of late civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., WGU Missouri has launched a scholarship aimed at supporting adults who have faced struggles in their lives that have prevented them from achieving their educational goals and moving forward in their careers. The “I Have a Dream” Scholarships are open to new and returning students enrolling in any of WGU Missouri’s 80-plus undergraduate and graduate degree programs in information technology, business, K-12 teacher education and health professions, including nursing.

The goal of the “I Have a Dream” Scholarships is to provide a more affordable and accessible pathway to encourage individuals to realize their dreams and work toward earning their college degrees. Each scholarship is valued at up to $4,000 and will be credited to students’ accounts at a rate of $1,000 per six-month term, renewable for up to four terms. The scholarship will be applied to WGU’s already low, flat-rate tuition of about $3,800 per six-month term. Applications are now being accepted online at missouri.wgu.edu/dream.

“As we reflect on the activism of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who worked tirelessly to end the injustices of racial and economic inequality, we continue to be inspired by his vision for the future,” said Dr. Terrance Hopson, Regional Vice President of WGU Missouri. “In that spirit, we’re proud to offer this scholarship opportunity for working adults who have the courage to dream beyond what they thought was once impossible, the resilience to get up and try again, and the commitment to change their legacy for the better by earning a college degree from WGU Missouri with minimal financial barriers.”

The university’s “I Have a Dream” Scholarships will be awarded based on the students’ academic record, previous college experience, readiness for online study, current competency, as well as other considerations. Applications will be accepted through June 30, 2023.

For more information about WGU Missouri and the “I Have a Dream” Scholarship, visit missouri.wgu.edu/dream.

About WGU Missouri

WGU Missouri is a competency-based, online university created to expand access to higher education for Missouri residents. The university offers more than 80 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the fields of business, K-12 teacher education, information technology, and health professions, including nursing. WGU Missouri faculty members serve as mentors, working one-on-one with students, offering guidance, support, and individualized instruction.

Established in 2013 through a partnership with nationally recognized Western Governors University, WGU Missouri is open to all qualified Missouri residents. The university is nonprofit and self-sustaining on flat-rate tuition of about $7,600 per year for most programs.

Degrees are granted under the accreditation of Western Governors University, which is accredited through the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Nursing College programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE*), and the Health Informatics program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). More information is available at Missouri.wgu.edu or by calling 855.948.8493.

*Western Governors University offers nursing programs that are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 5380, Washington DC 20036, 202-877-6791).

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For more information, contact: 

Merisa Ashbaugh 

314-436-9090 

merisa@hausergrouppr.com 

(more…)

Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) – the St. Louis region’s transit advocacy organization – has announced plans for its next virtual “Talking Transit” event, which is set for Wednesday, Feb. 1, at 8:30 a.m. via ZOOM. This event will highlight the trajectory of transit in the St. Louis region in 2023. The event is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is required and can be completed online at www.cmt-stl.org.

Those in attendance will get updates on various transit projects currently underway, including light rail expansion to MidAmerica Airport, the Northside-Southside Corridor Plan with St. Louis City and St. Louis County, the Secure Platform Plan and Metro Transit’s Mobility Hubs. The discussion will feature a panel that includes Patrick Judge, Principal of Gonzalez Companies and project manager for the IL LRT project; Taulby Roach, President and CEO of Bi-State Development; and Kevin Scott, General Manager of Security for Bi-State-Development and lead on the Secure Platform Plan; and Charles Stewart, Executive Director of Metro Transit for an operations update.

“There is a lot to be excited about as it relates to transit in the St. Louis region,” commented Kimberly Cella, executive director of Citizens for Modern Transit. “We encourage those with an interest in the impacts of public transit access to join this online forum.”

CMT hosts quarterly “Talking Transit” events to keep members, elected officials, stakeholders, transit riders and others in the loop on issues and efforts influencing the local transit system. These educational gatherings feature guest speakers and panel discussions addressing a wide range of topics, including transit-oriented development, safety and security, best practices, service changes and more. To learn more about these events and how CMT is working to further transit access in the St. Louis region, visit www.cmt-stl.org.

Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) is the region’s transit advocacy organization. It was established in 1985 to help bring light rail to St. Louis and works to develop, support and enhance programming and initiatives to ensure safe, convenient and affordable access to the region’s integrated public transportation system. CMT champions, challenges, encourages and advocates for public transit in an effort to drive economic growth and improve the quality of life in the St. Louis region.

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For more information, contact: 

Kelly Harris 

(314)898-8116 

kelly@hausergrouppr.com 

(more…)

Delta Dental of Missouri, the state’s dental benefits leader and a non-profit organization, has elected Nathan Suter, DDS, as a member of its Board of Directors. He will serve a three-year term.

Dr. Suter is the owner of Green Leaf Dental Care in House Springs, Mo., where he has been in private practice since 2017. He is a practice owner and chief innovation officer at Enable Dental, an at-home portable dental service organization, which provides care to seniors and patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities in 10 states. He previously served on the Enable Dental Board of Directors. He co-founded Healier Inc., a digital care coordination platform for dental teams, which was acquired by Enable Dental.

Dr. Suter served for two terms as chair of the Missouri Coalition for Oral Health Board of Directors and as chair of its Conference Committee. He previously served as oral health director and dentist for COMTREA Comprehensive Health Center in Hillsboro, Mo. He also served as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry and the A.T. Still University School of Dentistry and Oral Health in St. Louis. He was named the 2019 Missouri Dentist of the Year by the Missouri Dental Association and recognized among the 2020 Top 10 Dentists Under 10 Years in Practice by the American Dental Association. He is an active member of the American Dental Association, Missouri Dental Association, Missouri Coalition for Oral Health and Greater St. Louis Dental Society.

Dr. Suter earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry and a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Webster University.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Suter to our board,” said Rob Goren, fellow board member and president and chief executive officer at Delta Dental of Missouri. “He brings a wealth of knowledge and broad perspectives about dentistry and patient care. His insights and expertise will help advance our vital mission to improve oral health in the communities we serve and to meet the evolving needs of our stakeholders.”

About Delta Dental of Missouri

Delta Dental of Missouri is the state’s leading dental benefits provider and a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization. It provides more than 2.1 million members with access to affordable, high-quality dental care through group plans tailored to meet the needs of organizations of all sizes, from large corporations to small businesses with two or more employees. Delta Dental also offers dental benefit plans directly to individuals and families. It also provides access to affordable, high-quality vision care through group vision benefit plans. The company proudly supports oral health initiatives, educational programs and charitable causes that help educate people about the importance of dental health and provide free dental care to those in need. Delta Dental of Missouri also created the Missouri Dental Care Resource Guide to help individuals access information about low-cost and free dental care options in their area—available online at www.DeltaDentalMO.com/ResourceGuide1. To learn more about the company, visit www.DeltaDentalMO.com.

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For more information, contact: 

Kelly Harris 

(314)898-8116 

kelly@hausergrouppr.com 

(more…)

With the New Year approaching, many individuals are making resolutions to change or improve their lives in 2023. One of the resolutions adults often make is going back to college to earn their degrees and advance their careers. Since taking the steps to go back to school can be daunting, especially for those who have not been to school in years, WGU Missouri has put together a list of tips to keep in mind to help with choosing the right college and degree path. The fully online, nonprofit university has also launched a new scholarship for new students who plan to enroll in 2023.

“For those seeking a fresh start in their careers, going back to school and obtaining the skills that will make them more marketable is a great option,” said Dr. Terrance Hopson, Regional Vice President of WGU Missouri. “We encourage individuals who are ready to make that leap to do their homework so they can select the college or university that’s best for them. WGU Missouri offers affordable, competency-based education programs that are a fit for many working adults, and we look forward to helping more students achieve their educational goals in the coming year and find careers they love.”

WGU Missouri recommends that those resolving to go back to school consider the following:

• Identify the type of degree that will lead to your desired career. Before choosing a college, it’s important to recognize what you’ll need to study to achieve your desired career path. Make sure the degree selected is in demand, relates to your current field and is relevant to employers. And choose a college that offers a degree program that will equip you with the skills necessary to advance your career. For those who are unsure what career path might be best, consider reaching out to potential employers to see what they value in a degree program or skillset. 

• Choose a college that works with your lifestyle. Adult students often work full-time, have children or family responsibilities, or have a career plan that doesn’t allow for the full-time, on-campus university experience. Online options are driving positive enrollment trends at many traditional colleges and universities, with most now offering fully online courses and degree programs that provide students flexibility in completing coursework. Some universities have even done away with the traditional semester – instead opting for a competency-based model of learning. This approach allows students to use their prior knowledge and experience to move through courses at their own pace, often accelerating degree completion.
• Compare tuition costs and financing. A college education can be one of the most expensive investments in a student’s life. With tuition reaching $50,000 a year or more at some schools, higher education is financially inaccessible for many. Some schools are committed to making education more affordable by offering flat-rate tuition with the ability for students to accelerate degree completion without extra fees. No matter where you choose to go to school, make sure tuition costs make sense for your lifestyle and career goals. And remember, there are several ways to make higher education more affordable and accessible. Many employers offer tuition reimbursement or assistance, and there are thousands of scholarships available. Federal and private loans are also an option, but responsible borrowing is a must.

• Verify the school’s accreditation status. One of the most common mistakes for those considering different college programs is to focus on the cost of the degree instead of the value. Accreditation ensures the university you select has passed rigorous requirements from organizations that specialize in determining quality within higher education. Institutional accreditation is the gold standard of accreditation for colleges and universities, indicating the school has earned the approval of an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. If the school you select is not properly accredited, your investment may not pay off because other institutions and employers may not recognize your degree or credits.
• Choose a highly rated school. Not all schools are created equal, but luckily resources exist that allow students to compare schools and see which ones best fit their needs. College Scorecard is an online platform created by the U.S. Department of Education for Americans to compare the value data of higher education institutions. The platform –located at https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/ – pulls data about cost, graduation rate, employment rate, loan default rate, average amount of loans borrowed by students, enrollment, socioeconomic diversity and more. Since it’s a government program, students can use this source knowing that the information is non-biased and well researched.

To help make college more affordable for new students attending WGU in 2023, the university has launched a new Year of You Scholarship. The scholarship is open to new students enrolling in any of the university’s 80-plus undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the high-demand fields of IT, business, education, and health professions, including nursing. Each scholarship is valued at up to $2,500 per student and will be applied to WGU Missouri’s already-low, flat-rate tuition of about $3,800 per six-month term. New students can apply online at wgu.edu/nyscholarship by March 31, 2023, to be considered.

For more information about WGU Missouri and its programs or the Year of You Scholarship, visit missouri.wgu.edu.

About WGU Missouri

WGU Missouri is a competency-based, online university created to expand access to higher education for Missouri residents. The university offers more than 80 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the fields of business, K-12 teacher education, information technology, and health professions, including nursing. WGU Missouri faculty members serve as mentors, working one-on-one with students, offering guidance, support, and individualized instruction.

Established in 2013 through a partnership with nationally recognized Western Governors University, WGU Missouri is open to all qualified Missouri residents. The university is nonprofit and self-sustaining on flat-rate tuition of about $7,600 per year for most programs.

Degrees are granted under the accreditation of Western Governors University, which is accredited through the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Nursing College programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE*), and the Health Informatics program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). More information is available at Missouri.wgu.edu or by calling 855.948.8493.

*Western Governors University offers nursing programs that are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 5380, Washington DC 20036, 202-877-6791).

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For more information, contact: 

Merisa Ashbaugh 

314-436-9090 

merisa@hausergrouppr.com 

(more…)

The holidays are about connecting with friends and family, and UScellular is nourishing these connections by enabling communities to share a meal with the ones they love.

On Wednesday, Dec. 14, UScellular provided Peoria Grown with $7,500 to host a cooking class with members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Peoria and to purchase fresh produce for its Market 309, where area residents can gain access to fresh fruits, vegetables, bread, cheese and milk at a deeply discounted price.

The cooking class was led by volunteer dietitians at Hy-Vee and featured two healthy recipes. Each of the participating children left the class with recipe cards and all the needed ingredients to replicate an entrée and dessert at home for their families.

Later that evening, area residents who visited Market 309 at the Peoria Women’s Club were greeted by Santa and received free hot cocoa while they shopped. They were then surprised and delighted at check out to find out the cost of all the food they planned to purchase was covered by the UScellular donation. A similar surprise and delight will take place at an additional Market 309 later this month. Between the two Market 309 events, Peoria Grown and UScellular hope to provide 3,000 pounds of produce to more than 200 families free of charge.

This day of giving also included Boys & Girls Clubs of Peoria receiving $1,500 worth of non-perishables for use at the club and 100 wrapped presents, which will be given to members at a Holiday Party in the coming week. The presents include Rainbow Lab Science Kits, 5-in-1 STEM Solar Rover Kits, Wooden Pattern Block Puzzles, Light-up Terrarium Kids, Lego Chain Reaction Kits, soccer balls, volleyballs and footballs.

“Peoria Grown and Boys & Girls Clubs of Peoria do so much for our community, so we wanted to fulfill their wish lists and help them deliver the much-needed support they provide throughout the Peoria area,” said Aimee Carrell, retail area sales manager for UScellular. “Food has the power to connect people, and we believe every family deserves to come together, strengthen ties, and make memories this time of year.”

The mission of Peoria Grown is to address food insecurity issues through improved coordination of resources; access to affordable, healthy food with an emphasis on fresh produce; and education on nutrition and making healthy food choices. The organization’s Market 309 offers fresh produce at three convenient locations and at a cost cheaper than grocery stores, providing individuals and families access to healthy food.

“The generosity of UScellular will significantly impact our Market 309 customers this holiday season,” said Abby Green, Peoria Grown strategic marketing officer and board member. “With food costs continuing to rise, our shoppers need support like this to purchase healthy, nourishing foods. The holiday season is always a busy time at the market with shoppers stocking up on fresh foods and pantry staples, so this gift could not come at a better time.”

UScellular’s Nourishing Connections

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Through its Nourishing Connections initiative, this holiday season UScellular is providing food banks, pantries, and shelters with needed supplies and has a goal to support more than 135 organizations across the country. UScellular retail stores are also collecting donations for local food-focused non-profits. For more information, go to newsroom.uscellular.com/nourishing-connections.

Since 2009, UScellular has donated more than $22.6 million along with countless experiences and technology items to nonprofit organizations across the country. For more information about the company’s community involvement, go to newsroom.uscellular.com/community.

About UScellular

UScellular is the fourth-largest full-service wireless carrier in the United States, providing national network coverage and industry-leading innovations designed to help customers stay connected to the things that matter most. The Chicago-based carrier provides a strong, reliable network supported by the latest technology and offers a wide range of communication services that enhance consumers’ lives, increase the competitiveness of local businesses and improve the efficiency of government operations. Through its After School Access Project, the company has pledged to provide hotspots and service to help up to 50,000 youth connect to reliable internet. Additionally, UScellular has price protected all of its plans, promising not to increase prices through at least the end of 2023. To learn more about UScellular, visit one of its retail stores or www.uscellular.com. To get the latest news, visit newsroom.uscellular.com.

# # #

For more information, contact: 

Kelly Harris 

(314)898-8116 

kelly@hausergrouppr.com 

(more…)

To help meet the dental health needs of children and adults, Delta Dental of South Carolina – a leading dental benefits provider and non-profit organization – recently awarded $195,796 in oral health grant funding to three Columbia-area organizations in support of oral health initiatives and educational programming in South Carolina. This funding completes the second cycle of the non-profit company’s annual mission giving efforts, which provided a total of $344,296 to nine organizations in South Carolina. During cycle one earlier this year, Delta Dental of South Carolina awarded $175,000 in grants to five organizations for a combined total of $519,296 in oral health grants for 2022.

The oral health grants most recently awarded in Columbia include Prisma Health – Midlands, which received $95,796 to help the Department of Dentistry purchase equipment to better serve patients with special needs; Healthy Learners, which received $50,000 to expand free dental care in 15 school districts to children in families with low incomes; and United Way of the Midlands, which received $50,000 to help provide free comprehensive dental care to children and adults who are uninsured or underinsured and living in poverty, as well as dental hygiene workshops for youth and caregivers.

“Many South Carolinians face challenges in getting dental care,” said Rob Goren, president and chief executive officer at Delta Dental at South Carolina. “By donating to organizations that align with our mission to improve oral health, we’re able to help children and adults in need get vital dental treatment and services to enhance their overall health and quality of life.”

Delta Dental of South Carolina will begin accepting applications for the first grant cycle of its 2023 Oral Health Grant Program in January. To be eligible for an oral health grant from Delta Dental of South Carolina, applicants in South Carolina must first complete a letter of inquiry through the online application system at www.deltadentalsc.com/AboutUs/oral-health-grant-program, which includes program guidelines and application instructions. Applicants must be considered tax-exempt under 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or be a public or governmental entity, such as a public school or health department, and serve the people of South Carolina.

About Delta Dental of South Carolina

Delta Dental of South Carolina is a trade name of Delta Dental of Missouri, a dental benefits provider and a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization, which operates in South Carolina under that name. It provides more than 330,000 members in South Carolina with access to affordable, high-quality dental care through group plans tailored to meet the needs of organizations of all sizes, from large corporations to small businesses with two or more employees. Delta Dental also offers dental benefit plans directly to individuals and families. It also provides access to affordable, high-quality vision care through group vision benefit plans. The company proudly supports oral health initiatives, educational programs and charitable causes that help educate people about the importance of dental health and provide free dental care to those in need. It also created the South Carolina Dental Care Resource Guide to help individuals access information about low-cost and free dental care options in their area—available online at www.DeltaDentalSC.com/ResourceGuide1. To learn more about the company, visit www.DeltaDentalSC.com.

# # #

For more information, contact: 

Kelly Harris 

(314)898-8116 

kelly@hausergrouppr.com 

(more…)

To help meet the dental health needs of children and adults, Delta Dental of Missouri – the state’s leading dental benefits provider – recently awarded $730,931 in oral health grant funding to 22 organizations in support of oral health initiatives and educational programming in Missouri and in South Carolina, where it also does business. This funding completes the second cycle of the non-profit company’s annual mission giving efforts. During cycle one earlier this year, Delta Dental of Missouri awarded $481,327 in grants to 16 organizations for a combined total of more than $1.2 million in oral health grants for 2022.

“Many of our neighbors throughout the state face challenges in getting dental care,” said Rob Goren, president and chief executive officer at Delta Dental of Missouri. “By donating to a variety of organizations that align with our mission to improve oral health, we’re able to help thousands of children and adults get vital dental treatment and services to enhance their overall health and quality of life.”

The oral health grants most recently awarded in Missouri include:

• SWOPE Health Services (Kansas City) – received $70,000 to purchase equipment for a new KidsCare dental clinic site in Excelsior Springs to serve the Excelsior Springs School District.
• Vivent Health – AIDS Resource Center (St. Louis) – received $50,000 to provide dental care to people who are uninsured or underinsured and living with HIV.
• Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (Statewide) – received $50,000 for the Missouri Dental State Loan Repayment Program to address dental provider shortages by encouraging providers to serve in HPSAs in exchange for loan repayment assistance.
• The Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital (St. Louis) – received $40,000 to address the dental needs of patients with transplants or head or neck cancer and the continued specialized management of oral health to support patients’ long-term health.
• Give Kids A Smile (St. Louis) – received $40,000 to provide comprehensive treatment, preventive care and oral health education at no cost for children who are underserved and at risk.
• We Care Mobile Dental Foundation (St. Louis) – received $25,000 to provide care to individuals with low incomes in assisted living facilities, nursing homes and adult daycare centers.
• Rural Parish Clinic (St. Louis) – received $25,000 to expand its program that provides free dental care through a mobile dental unit to individuals who are uninsured and living in poverty in rural areas.
• Curators of the University of Missouri – Missouri Kidney Program (Columbia) – received $25,000 to help fund dental care and transportation assistance for patients before and after transplants and for patients receiving dialysis treatment.

ORAL HEALTH GRANTS

FIRST AND FINAL ADD

• Ozark Action Incorporated Head Start (West Plains) – received $19,635 to provide interactive, oral health and nutrition classes for children and their parents/caregivers.
• Hope House Dental Clinic (Lee’s Summit) – received $15,000 to purchase equipment and supplies for its dental clinic for survivors of domestic violence, as well as financial assistance for oral health services outside of the scope of the clinic.
• Dental Lifeline Network (Jefferson City) – received $12,000 to help support free comprehensive treatments for those who lack adequate income for dental care and a have a permanent disability, are age 65 or older or qualify as medically fragile.
• Central Missouri Community Action (Columbia) – received $10,000 to provide dental treatment to families with low incomes in Central Missouri.
• Seton Center (Kansas City) – received $5,000 to support no-cost dental services for children from four urban

Delta Dental of Missouri also awarded $344,296 in grants to nine organizations in South Carolina.

Delta Dental of Missouri will begin accepting applications for the first grant cycle of its 2023 Oral Health Grant Program in January. To be eligible for an oral health grant from Delta Dental of Missouri, applicants in Missouri must first complete a letter of inquiry through the online application system at https://www.deltadentalmo.com/AboutUs/oral-health-grant-program, which includes program guidelines and application instructions. Applicants must be considered tax-exempt under 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or be a public or governmental entity, such as a public school or health department, and serve the people of Missouri.

About Delta Dental of Missouri

Delta Dental of Missouri is the state’s leading dental benefits provider and a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization. It provides more than 2.1 million members with access to affordable, high-quality dental care through group plans tailored to meet the needs of organizations of all sizes, from large corporations to small businesses with two or more employees. Delta Dental also offers dental benefit plans directly to individuals and families. It also provides access to affordable, high-quality vision care through group vision benefit plans. The company proudly supports oral health initiatives, educational programs and charitable causes that help educate people about the importance of dental health and provide free dental care to those in need. Delta Dental of Missouri also created the Missouri Dental Care Resource Guide to help individuals access information about low-cost and free dental care options in their area—available online at www.DeltaDentalMO.com/ResourceGuide1. To learn more about the company, visit www.DeltaDentalMO.com.

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For more information, contact: 

Kelly Harris 

(314)898-8116 

kelly@hausergrouppr.com 

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