Bemidji local Jeanne Edevold Larson awarded Ann K. Johnson Community Health Spirit Award
Delta Dental of Minnesota

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December 7th, 2018

Bemidji local Jeanne Edevold Larson awarded Ann K. Johnson Community Health Spirit Award

BEMIDJI, Minn. – Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation is proud to announce a leadership award to Jeanne Edevold Larson in special recognition of her contributions to improving oral health in Minnesota. The award is in honor of Ann K. Johnson, former Executive Director of Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation, who died suddenly in 2013. Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation selected Jeanne for the award and honorarium to celebrate her vision, determination and collaborative approach to bringing accessible oral health care to Northwestern Minnesota. Jeanne facilitated the development of the Northern Dental Access Center, and she has served as its executive director since its opening in 2009.

With Jeanne’s leadership, Northern Dental Access Center has grown to provide more than 2,000 patient visits per month. Their model has received many awards for addressing oral health disparities in rural Minnesota, and for providing comprehensive support to patients with access to services such as insurance counseling, mental health screening and referral, legal services, chemical use assessments, child and teen exams, and culturally competent patient advocacy.

Jeanne is a lifelong resident of Bemidji and is a Bemidji State University alumna, holding a master’s degree in Industrial Technology and Organizational Development.

“Receiving the Ann K. Johnson award is a highlight of my career,” Jeanne said. “I am inspired by the recognition and belief in my work with Northern Dental Access Center. Ann was an early champion of our efforts to create an oral health solution in our region, and her support was invaluable.”

“We are pleased to recognize Jeanne for her spirited leadership, and appreciate her commitment to the oral health of Minnesotans in need,” said Joe Lally, Executive Director, Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation. “We do so in celebration of Ann Johnson’s life by helping further the great passion and dedication Ann fostered.”

About Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation

In 2009, Delta Dental of Minnesota’s parent sold a company and used 100 percent of the proceeds to establish and fund Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation. Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation supports Delta Dental of Minnesota’s mission of improving the health of Minnesotans through oral health. Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation works to expand access to dental care for Minnesota’s underserved populations across the state by primarily investing in dental care for people in need.