OPEN HILL DAY 2026:
NYSOHC REPRESENTS NEW YORK IN
 WASHINGTON D.C.
On June 2nd, Melissa Wendland, Sherilee Callahan, and Paula Fischer traveled to Washington, D.C. to participate in the Oral Health Progress and Equity Network (OPEN) Hill Day. The team spent the day in seminars preparing for their legislative visits, ensuring they were ready to speak to federal leaders about the importance of strengthening oral health access and equity.
On June 3rd, they joined colleagues from downstate New York for a full day of congressional meetings. Together, they visited the offices of:
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Senator Chuck Schumer
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Senator Kirsten Gillibrand
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Representative Joseph Morelle
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Representative Claudia Tenney
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Representative Greg Latimer
Their messages were well received, and the conversations reflected a shared understanding of the importance of oral health in overall health and community well‑being.

The trip also offered valuable opportunities to connect with coalition partners from across the country. The American Network of Oral Health Coalitions (ANOHC) Executive Director hosted a dinner for attendees, where participants had the chance to meet coalition members from as far away as Hawaii, strengthening national relationships and shared advocacy efforts.
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NYSOHC is a member of the American Network of Oral Health Coalitions and shares their mission to shape oral health policy, champion disease prevention, and increase public awareness of the vital role oral health plays in overall well-being.
