After spending 11 years on dialysis, Garron was finally eligible to join the kidney transplant list. It was a moment of hope, but his excitement quickly turned to concern when he learned that before he could move forward, he needed to be in the best health possible — including having no dental cavities.
While Garron’s Medicare plan covered much of his kidney care, it didn’t include dental treatment. Unfortunately, Garron had multiple cavities and couldn’t afford the dental care he needed. Faced with this barrier, Garron feared his chance at a life-saving transplant was slipping away.
Thankfully, a friend encouraged Garron to reach out to Unity Care NW. His spirits lifted when he discovered he qualified for our Sliding Fee Discount Program, which made his dental care affordable. With his cavities treated and oral health restored, Garron could proceed with his transplant journey.
Today, Garron is cavity-free and thriving with a new kidney. He recently shared with our team how relieved and deeply grateful he felt for the care he received at Unity Care NW.
How the 340B Program Makes a Difference
Lifesaving care like this is made possible by the 340B program. This federal program allows health centers like Unity Care NW to purchase medications at a discount, reinvesting the savings into vital services for our patients. At Unity Care NW, these savings fund comprehensive services such as medical, dental, pharmacy, mental health, substance use treatment, and case management.
At Unity Care NW, we know that health can’t wait. Everyone deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life, and the 340B program is vital in ensuring that financial challenges don’t stand in the way of quality care and better health outcomes.
