Toothbrushes, toothpaste, and dental floss, along with feminine hygiene products, are basic needs that are simply unaffordable for too many Native American families and women when rent and utility bills are due, and food must be put on the table.
In 2015, Running Strong for American Indian Youth initiated the “SmileStrong” dental health program. The program provides Native American families with kits containing child and adult-size toothbrushes, a six-month supply of toothpaste and floss, as well as information on proper brushing techniques.
The great need in Indian Country for routine dental care to prevent caries was first brought to our attention by 2015 Running Strong Dreamstarter Cristin Haase (Cheyenne River Sioux). At the time, Cristin was a promising dental student who wanted to help other Native Americans successfully apply to dental school. Cristin is now a dentist serving Native American children and families.
In August 2023, the Indian Health Service released a study “The Oral Health of American Indian and Alaska Native Children Aged 6-9 Years (A Follow-up Report to the 2017 Survey) noting the following key findings:
1. The lack of regular dental care during the COVID-19 Pandemic may have led to an increase in oral health issues among American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) children. Compared to 2017, fewer AI/AN dental patients have protective dental sealants on permanent molars, and more are experiencing oral pain or infection.
2. Oral health disparities continue to be a significant issue. Compared to other racial/ethnic groups, AI/AN children have the highest rates of tooth decay and untreated dental problems.
Through our SmileStrong program, we have been working for nearly 10 years now to provide the “tools for teeth” to thousands of children and families to help prevent caries which left untreated can develop into more serious oral health concerns, as well as instilling in children the importance of proper brushing twice daily at a young age.
This year, our goal is to ship 6,000 dental kits to our partners in Native communities throughout Indian Country for distribution to children and families in need.
Last year, we introduced our WičhičhaǧAStrong – “they all grow, they thrive, they prosper, they are the generation” program to help overcome what is known as “period poverty,” defined as an inability for people who menstruate to purchase sanitary products which is a pervasive problem throughout Indian Country.
Through WičhičhaǧAStrong, Running Strong is addressing the inequitable access to period products and in our first year, shipped 3,000 feminine hygiene kits containing flushable wipes, tampons, maxi pads, soap, hand sanitizer, antiseptic wipes, and more to tribal communities. After a very successful first year, we are excited to distribute 3,000 kits across 18-20 tribal communities again this fall.
Among our partners who have received the items is the Brushy Cherokee Action Association in Sallisaw, Oklahoma. This month, they received and distributed 200 dental kits and 240 feminine hygiene kits.
“The participants in the distribution were very happy to see the items being distributed,” reported Brushy spokesperson Robin Hickman. “There was a great need for the items.
“I helped a mother and a daughter who were very upset that they could not afford items when needed.,” said Robin. “They could not believe that someone was helping the young girls in this way,” adding that, “the woman asked if she and her daughter could volunteer when we have more events.”
Robin went on to explain that “Brushy is a rural community the community the community consists of a school and the community center along with a church.
“Many parents do not have vehicles to drive to the nearest store. We have many large families in our community, and they lack the resources to provide food, clothing, and hygiene products.
“Hygiene products are needed daily, and many are emergency items to many of these families.
“The items are needed to help all of the families so that the children can attend school without the embarrassment or worry that comes from not having these items.”
In Billings, Montana, our partner there, The Bridge Foundation, recently received and distributed dental kits and feminine hygiene kits serving a total of 120 individuals.
Rosalia Badhorse with The Bridge Foundation reported that the items were distributed a various events in the community.
“Many of the women who are homeless in our community definitely got help from this as feminine hygiene can be pretty expensive,” Rosalia reported. “A lot of teen girls appreciated the kits as well since school is coming up and this helped them to be prepared for the school year.”
Volunteer Kaylannah Strange Owl commented, “The hygiene in-kind distribution is an incredible and resourceful thing as it helps those who don’t have the luxury of buying the things they need besides food. I think it made them feel seen and heard.”
And in Eagle Butte, South Dakota on the Cheyenne River Sioux Indian Reservation, our partner there distributed 200 dental kits and 240 feminine hygiene kits serving a total of 240 individuals including 100 children.
“We created bags with one of each item so each woman could get some of each,” reported Laura Rose with The Bebela Project. “This worked out very well to consolidate the items and make it easier for them to carry the items.
“We are located in one of the poorest counties in the nation so these items that most would consider basics, a lot of our people don’t have the funds to have,” says Laura. “Feminine hygiene items are super helpful and very appreciated.
“We are so thankful for these resources! Always appreciate Running Strong for their continued support!”
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