Palmerston is proud to announce that our Oral Health Project at the Palmerston Farm Therapeutic Community has been awarded Silver in the 2024 IPAA WA Achievement Awards, under the category of Best Practice in Innovation.
The program originated from an idea led by Palmerston’s CEO Emma Jarvis and has been wholeheartedly supported by our board. The program provides free, comprehensive oral health services to residents undergoing alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatment at one of Palmerston’s residential Therapeutic Communities. Many participants in AOD recovery face chronic dental issues that affect not only their physical health but also their confidence, self-esteem, and ability to build a brighter future.
“Oral health is fundamental to overall health, wellbeing, and quality of life,” says Emma. “A healthy mouth enables people to eat without pain, discomfort, or embarrassment. Many of our clients report dental pain or embarrassment regarding their smile. This program addresses those challenges and explores how a healthy smile can impact long-term recovery outcomes.”
The program has been running since 2022, and has been delivered in collaboration with the St Patrick’s Community Support Centre, the Institute for Health Research, the University of Notre Dame, and Dr. Richard Slattery (BDSc).
The real success of the program lies in the testimonials of its participants:
- “This is a huge thing for me, to be able to go out into the community now and be confident and not judged.” – Palmerston Farm Resident
- “It is not just about teeth. It’s about mental health, confidence, self-esteem, and hope. It’s a massive part of recovery.” – Palmerston Farm Resident
- “To know that I’m healthy and have a good smile in the end… just to be able to talk with my family and kids. That’s a big, big thing for me.” – Palmerston Farm Resident
This award-winning initiative underscores Palmerston’s commitment to integrating holistic care into AOD recovery, showing that something as simple as a smile can truly transform lives.
To read more about the Oral Health Project, check out our recent 2-year evaluation report’s executive summary and key takeaways available below:
