Portsmouth - BJ’s Charitable Foundation recently donated $5,000 to Families First Health and Support Center to be used for dental supplies.

The Dental Center served almost 1,800 patients last year in 4,800 visits, a 33 percent increase in visits over the previous year. Dental supplies cost Families First an average of almost $6 per patient visit, says Families First Executive Director Helen Taft. “Because the majority of our patients are uninsured, we are reimbursed for little of this cost,” she adds. “So we very much appreciate BJ’s help in underwriting this major expense.”

BJ’s Charitable Foundation supports charitable organizations that focus on hunger prevention, self-sufficiency, health care and education for the disadvantaged in the 15 states where BJ’s Wholesale Clubs are located. The goal of the Foundation is to create a positive, long-lasting impact on the communities BJ’s serves and enhance community programs like the Dental Center that benefit children and families.

“With so many people still struggling in the current economy, it’s more important than ever that BJ’s supports the communities surrounding our clubs,” said Jessica Newman, Manager of Community Relations at BJ’s Wholesale Club. “We are proud to support the Families First Health Dental Center so that they may continue to provide health services to individuals in Portsmouth and the surrounding area.”

Families First Dental Center provides affordable preventive, restorative and emergency oral health care to any children or teens living in New Hampshire or Maine, as well as to adults if they are established patients of Families First Health Center. Families First also provides general medical care for people of all ages, prenatal care and parenting and family programs. For more information, call 603-422-8208, or visit www.FamiliesFirstSeacoast.org.

About BJ’s Charitable Foundation
BJ’s Charitable Foundation was established with the mission to enrich every community BJ’s Wholesale Clubs serve. The Foundation supports nonprofit organizations that primarily benefit the underprivileged in the area of basic needs (hunger prevention, self-sufficiency, education and health). For more information about BJ’s Charitable Foundation, please visit, www.bjs.com/charity.