Huntsman seeks dental-care donations

Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. said Friday the emergency dental needs of tens of thousands of elderly, blind and disabled Utahns should be taken care of this year after all, even though he has yet to secure all of the private donations needed to cover the cost.

The governor learned Thursday an individual was willing to contribute half of the $2 million needed to fund the program for Utahns on Medicaid — but only if Huntsman could raise the rest from other sources.

"We're going to find a way to do it," the governor said. "I'm very optimistic."

Huntsman said that over the next week or so, he's planning to solicit financial help from dentists willing to contribute their services as well as charitable foundations and the religious community to raise the remaining $1 million.

He declined to name the individual who has already come forward, identifying the person only as "a philanthropist in our community." The governor said the contributor is not a member of the Huntsman family, which is also known for its philanthropy.

Pamela Atkinson, an advocate for the disadvantaged who advises the governor, said she is already contacting area businesses seeking support. "I do have some interest. Right now, I have $10,000 pledged. It's not a bad start at all," she said.

By next week, Atkinson said there will be a fund set up to accept donations from the public.

News of the anonymous donation pleased community members who lobbied the lawmakers every day of the 2006 legislative session and again during last month's one-day special session for the funding.

"That makes me ecstatic, but I don't want to get too excited because a lot of times those things fall through," said Ricki Landers, who, along with some 40,000 other Utahns, stands to lose her benefits July 1.

"I'm really, really happy that whoever it was donated that money and I hope that we can meet that match."

If raised, the $2 million will be used to pull down $4.8 million in matching federal funds.

Even some state lawmakers have told Atkinson they intend to contribute. Huntsman had asked lawmakers to come up with the $2 million for the program during last month's special session of the Legislature, but they refused.

Senate President John Valentine, R-Orem, said he will talk to other senators to see if, as individuals, they want to contribute to the fund drive, or as a group they want to do some fund raising themselves.

Valentine said he has no problem, in fact thinks it's a good idea, for Huntsman or anyone else to seek private contributions to help in state-organized causes — like dental care for the poor.