Arkansas Public Media has received a $50,000 grant from the Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation to develop news content about oral health issues and deliver it through the Arkansas Public Media partner network.

The news will be shared via Arkansas Public Media’s network, which includes radio stations KUAR-89.1 FM Little Rock, UAF-91.3 FM Fayetteville, KASU-91.9 FM Jonesboro, and KTXK-91.5 FM in Texarkana.

“KUAR is proud to partner with its fellow public media stations in the state to bring focused coverage to this important aspect of health care in Arkansas,” said Nathan Vandiver, interim general manager of UA Little Rock Public Radio KLRE/KUAR. “This partnership, with generous support from Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation, will help us report on this important issue in a way we would not otherwise be able to do.”

KUAF reporter Jacqueline Froelich will serve as editor of the project. KASU and Arkansas Public Media reporter Ann Kenda will produce stories for the oral health series. Other station-based reporters at KUAF and KUAR also will contribute stories to the series.

“As we continue our national discussion and debate over health care, oral health care needs a prominent seat at the table,” said Mark Smith, general manager of KASU. “KASU is proud to be a part of this partnership to help shed more light on this important issue.”

Stories will begin running later this month, Vandiver said.

Arkansas Public Media was one of 40 nonprofit and community organizations to share in $1 million in grant funding for oral health improvement from the Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation.

“This marks a banner year in charitable giving for the foundation,” said Chrissy Chatham, executive director of the Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation. “Our Community Grants program affirms our commitment to transform communities across Arkansas. We’re proud to support accessible, equitable oral health care and will continue to advocate for improved oral health outcomes for all.”

Grantees were selected based on a number of criteria, including the number of at-risk children or adults served by the program, the level of community engagement in providing oral health prevention and treatment, and the ability to measure success and long-term results.

A list of grantees and more information about Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation Community Grants is available online.