The Friday Finish – July 19, 2024
Dr. Bill Leaves a Legacy of Dental Care as He Heads West
Dr. William Collins came to the rescue eight years ago when there was no dentist at Red Bird and over 200 patients waiting for care. His compassion for the people of the mountains and the need he discovered at Red Bird started a dramatic transformation at Red Bird Dental Clinic.
Initially, he came on Saturday to begin seeing patients in the spring of 2016. He then resigned his position at the University of Kentucky School of Dentistry so that he could add Friday appointments at here at Queendale. The staff at his Pikeville office stopped scheduling Thursday so he could do three days a week at Red Bird. By year’s end, he had negotiated to have third year students from his alma mater, the University of Louisville School of Dentistry, experience four days of rural dentistry practice at Red Bird each week. Dr. Bill eventually sold his practice in Pikeville so that he could live and serve full time at Red Bird.
He turned his passion to provide the best care possible to upgrading equipment that was decades old. The COVID-19 pandemic brought another set of challenges, but Dr. Bill and Sylvester Nolan, Maintenance Director, upgraded the operatory within a matter of weeks so that the dean of the School of Dentistry, Dr. Gerard Bradley, declared Red Bird Dental as one of the safest clinics in Kentucky in June 2020. Upgrades in dental chairs, digital imaging, 3-D printing of dentures, and sanitary water systems have also been added under Dr. Bill’s leadership.
Dr. Bill’s dedication to the best care of his patients and staff goes without question. He has acted quickly to get patients with life-threatening infections, cancer and other serious medical conditions into treatment and care that go beyond the capacity of Red Bird Dental Clinic. His loyalty to his staff is evident, too, as he supported them during their personal challenges without interruption of service at the clinic.
Several of the staff gathered at The Cardinal Café on Thursday to eat Dr. Bill’s favorite dish, chicken and dumplings, and offer well wishes and appreciation for his service. While we’re sad to see him leave us this week, we’re heartened by the fact that he is going to establish another rural dental practice for the University of Louisville School of Dentistry in western Kentucky.
Five Red Bird Students Shine at State 4-H Speech Competition
Five Red Bird Students – Aliyah Collett, Lucas Howard, Bristol Smith, Jaxson Collins and Jase Smith - won their divisions in the 4-H speech and demonstration competition at the local level earlier this spring qualifying them to take their public speaking skills to the state level. They travelled to Lexington, Kentucky Saturday with their advisor, Mrs. Patty Vance, and family members to participate in the Kentucky 4-H Communications Competition held at the Red Oak Elementary School.
All of the Cardinal speakers brought home ribbons for their presentations but Jase and Bristol received special honors. Jase received a second place ribbon for his Health Demonstration, “Caring for Braces”, and Bristol came in third with his Natural Resources Demonstration, “Kentucky Facts.” Blue ribbons were awarded to other Red Bird students as follows:
Jaxon Collins – Visual Arts Demonstration – “Wood Burning”
Lucas Howard – 9-year old Speech – “My Trip to Venice Beach, FL”
Aliyah Collett – 12-year old Speech – “My Trip to the Knoxville Zoo”
Parents and grandparents expressed their appreciation to Mrs. Vance stating they were “so proud” and even “surprised” at how well their child had presented in this highest level of communication competition in Kentucky 4-H.
Mrs. Vance said,
“Being able to get up and speak with confidence, especially in front of strangers, is a life-long learning experience that will benefit these kids in the years to come. The confidence that a child has is one of the most important things they can gain.”
175 Turn Out for Family Fun Day
It’s a good chance that it’ll be hot in July. The annual July Summer Family Fun Event organized by Red Bird Mission, Inc., Community Outreach; Red Bird Clinic, Inc., Community Health Outreach; and Red Bird Christian School had the hot temperatures again on Tuesday. Candace Collins, Red Bird Mission Women & Children Ministries Coordinator, stretched out the garden hose and sprinkler for kids to cool off as one of the several games. The Cardinal Café helped with some heat relief with Kelton Adams, Economic Opportunities Director, creating free iced drinks for each one, and he a shared a play list of music that added to the fun atmosphere.
While kids may have been looking for the cold drinks and fun playing games, parents and grandparents picked up backpacks loaded with school supplies, information, and other free items that families can use. This year, over 175 people turned out to connect with 26 area organizations that offered information about needed services and those “freebies.” It’s also a day to draw attention to the fact that school will be starting in less than a month for most!
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