L2R: FHC team and Board Member receive $30,100 check for a Dental Scanner from the Beales, Executors of the Benjamin Foundation. Photo Credit: FHC
The Lena Schulterbrandt Health Center on February 29 hosted a significant event as Frederiksted Health Care (FHC) staff, board members, and the executors of the Bennie and Martha Benjamin Foundation gathered to celebrate the donation of three dental scanners.
These advanced pieces of equipment, one for each of FHC's dental sites, were generously provided by the Foundation to enhance dental care services in St. Croix.
David Beale, an executor of the Foundation, shared insights into the legacy of Bennie Benjamin, a songwriter from St. Croix. According to Beale, Benjamin's will specified that royalties from his songs be allocated to health care improvements within the Virgin Islands.
Since its establishment by the Beales Law Firm in 1992, the Foundation has contributed $3 million towards enhancing health care services in the region. "We have been giving to Frederiksted Health Care for many years and we are happy to continue giving as we are happy to see the great work that FHC is providing to the community of St. Croix," Beale remarked.
FHC board member Stanley Jones expressed gratitude towards the Foundation and the Beales for their enduring support, emphasizing the positive impact on community care expansion.
Dr. Robert Good, chief dental officer at FHC, highlighted the transformative effect of the donation. Prior to receiving the scanners, the process of creating dentures, crowns, and bridges was lengthy and prone to errors, involving off-island shipping of molds which could take 6 to 8 weeks. Heat during shipping sometimes caused molds to shrink, resulting in ill-fitting final products and necessitating re-doing the entire process. With the new scanners, images are sent directly to the lab, ensuring precise results and reducing turnaround time to 10 days. "Our patients are Extremely Happy!!" Dr. Good exclaimed, underscoring the significant improvement in patient wait times and satisfaction.
FHC CEO Masserae Sprauve Webster extended thanks to the Bennie and Martha Benjamin Foundation and the Beales for their confidence in FHC. He noted the Foundation's consistent support, including the funding for equipment for two suites at the Lena Schulterbrandt Health Center at a cost of $60,000 last year, and this year's purchase of three dental scanners at $90,000, showcasing a continued commitment to improving health care in St. Croix through generous contributions.
