"Now open wide!" exclaimed Dr. Brian Carp to seven-year-old Amy Hernandez. Amy,
a student at ACLAMO Family Center's Summer Bridge Program, is one of many new participants in an exciting partnership between ACLAMO and the local dentist.

Dr. Carp, owner of Carp Dental Associates, a dental office serving the Norristown community for more than 15 years, started a program to offer free dental exams and x-rays to low-income local families. On the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month, in coordination with ACLAMO, Carp Dental schedules these exams as a way to promote dental health to those who may not go to a dentist because of the cost.

"We are grateful to Dr. Carp for his generosity," said Juan Guerra, Executive Director
of ACLAMO. "Through this program he is encouraging good dental hygiene as a part
of overall health." 

Personal Profile: Marisol Monterrosas  

Three-year-old Ramiro patiently sits with his mother Marisol  

The health needs of ACLAMO families are varied, and because of language and economic barriers, often neglected. Such was the case of Marisol Monterrosas.

Seven years ago, Marisol had participated in our Even Start Family Literacy Program with her son, Brian. She returned to our program this year with her three-year-old son, Ramiro.

Linda Maldonado, ACLAMO's director of early childhood education, noticed that Marisol had a suspicious-looking mole on the side of her face. Linda suggested to Marisol that she see a dermatologist, but Marisol resisted, saying that she could not afford it. Marisol indicated that her husband was unemployed at the time, but with the start of his seasonal work in the spring she would follow up with her doctor.

Concerned that the mole appeared to have grown, Linda took the time to explore other
options. New employee Anne Javsicas said she had some contacts at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Dermatology, and that she would try to arrange for a consultation. Anne was able to make an appointment for Marisol at Penn's Puentes de Salud (Bridges of Health) clinic at no charge.

Several weeks ago, Linda drove Marisol and her family to the Philadelphia clinic for the consult. The attending dermatology resident agreed that it was suspicious, removed the mole and had it biopsied. Fortunately, the results showed the mole was benign. The area has since healed perfectly.

"Everyone was so kind to me," said Marisol, "from the staff at ACLAMO to the
doctors at Penn."

While her results were positive, many low-income individuals don't receive such support and put off necessary exams, which can lead to serious medical consequences. Thanks to the help from friends like you, we continue to offer such programs to families in need.