By 
December 30, 2024
Though their primary audiences differ, the Community Free Dental Clinic and HEALS (Health Establishments at Local Schools) share a common goal: improving access to healthcare for Huntsville’s underserved populations.
Each entity addresses critical health disparities in Madison County, ensuring young and old residents receive essential medical and dental care. Both organizations rely on City appropriations* to fund staffing, maintain operations, and expand services, demonstrating the power of public and private partnerships in creating lasting change.
Together, the Community Free Dental Clinic and HEALS form a network of care that strengthens the fabric of the community. Whether it’s ensuring an adult can avoid emergency dental procedures or keeping a child healthy and in school, these organizations embody the City of Huntsville’s commitment to building a healthier, more resilient future for all residents.
The Community Free Dental Clinic: Transforming Adult Oral Health
Since its founding in 2013, the Community Free Dental Clinic has served as a lifeline for uninsured adults aged 19 and older living at or below the poverty line. Medicaid’s lack of adult dental coverage makes this clinic indispensable for addressing oral health needs such as extractions, fillings and preventive care.
UAB School of Dentistry students work at the clinic three days a week to provide dental care to patients while receiving valuable hands-on training under the direction of Dr. James Pignataro.
With a $100,000 appropriation from the City of Huntsville in FY2025, the clinic will continue to provide much-needed dental services to Madison County residents. Under the leadership of new Executive Director Paige Beitel, the clinic plans to expand its services and hours, create more partnerships and increase its visibility within the community.
“We partner with many other nonprofits such as FirstStop and Wellstone to help them to take care of their clients,” Beitel said. “Huntsville is such a generous city. We have so many companies that offer employee-giving programs and grants. The City has been good to so many people, and in turn, they give back to others.”
Community Free Dental Clinic staff complete a comprehensive medical history to check for broader health issues such as diabetes or hypertension
Oral health plays a significant role in overall well-being, and the clinic’s comprehensive intake process ensures that broader health concerns like diabetes or hypertension are also addressed. By leveraging funding from organizations like Toyota Alabama and Torch Technologies, the clinic remains a beacon of hope, focusing on preventive care and improved patient outcomes.
HEALS: Keeping Kids Healthy and in School
Front desk staff at the HEALS, Inc. clinic located at Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School in Huntsville
For Huntsville’s children, HEALS bridges the gap between healthcare and education. Founded in 1998, HEALS operates full-service medical and dental clinics within schools, allowing children to receive care without missing critical class time.
“Our mission is to keep these kids healthy and in school because if they’re not in school, they’re not learning,” Executive Director Heather Mason said. “Usually, our visits can be much faster. We pull them from class, do their wellness visit and send them right back.”
The City of Huntsville’s funding helps HEALS address the needs of children with Medicaid, ALL Kids coverage, or no insurance at all—a population that has seen a staggering 90% increase in uninsured patients over the past year. By running lean administrative operations, HEALS ensures that 90 cents of every dollar goes directly to staffing and patient care.
Debreiona Harris started at HEALS as a student patient in a small trailer outside Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School where she now serves as a dental hygienist.
HEALS’ impact extends beyond immediate health needs. One success story involves a former HEALS patient who returned to the clinic as a dental hygienist and has now been accepted into dental school—a testament to the organization’s long-term influence on the community.
How the City Supports Nonprofits through Outside Agency Appropriations
*Each year, the City of Huntsville makes appropriations to numerous nonprofits and organizations that enhance the culture, community, education, recreation, public safety and other essential aspects of a growing community. In fiscal year 2025 (FY25), the City will deliver appropriations to 38 nonprofit agencies and organizations totaling $3,310,996.
Over the next few months, City Blog will highlight the nonprofits and organizations that will receive appropriations in FY25 and their work to better our community.
