OGDENSBURG — Dental access in St. Lawrence County will expand thanks to a state investment.

The Community Health Center of the North Country  will gain $1,134,070  for its dental expansion project. 

"Receiving this award from the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD ) is a meaningful step forward for our community. As a health center serving everyone in the Ogdensburg area with Primary and Pediatric Care as well as Behavioral and Oral Healthcare services, we’re always looking for ways to close gaps in care; the need for more dental services in the North Country is certainly not a secret, and that need is only magnified for those with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). This funding allows us to expand access to those mission critical dental services for everyone, while focusing on the specialized care people with IDD require, which has always been central to our mission.”

The funds are part of $25 million distributed statewide to improve healthcare access for people with developmental disabilities. 

An April 13 press release from the office of Governor Kathy Hochul said the 30 awards will help address health equity for people with developmental disabilities who often find it difficult to find comprehensive healthcare that meets their needs. 

The initiative was announced as part of Governor Hochul’s 2025 State of the State and enacted in the FY26 Budget. 

The New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) prioritized awards based on projects related to expanding access to dental care, improving physical diagnostic space to better accommodate wheelchairs, creating sensory-friendly areas for neurodiverse patients, and improving access to specialty physical health services in ‘healthcare deserts.’  

“Under my administration, we’re taking steps to close the health equity gap for New Yorkers with disabilities,” Governor Hochul said. “

This funding allows New York’s providers to make life-changing upgrades to facility equipment and space to address some of the most difficult dental and preventative health access needs. This is innovation at work as we create a more inclusive New York for all.” 

For more information, visit www.opwdd.ny.gov