Dental Clinic For The Disabled Opens In Chemung County

Elmira, NY – "I am pleased to help bring resources to an important mission, that of providing dental care to the developmentally disabled," said State Senator George H. Winner, Jr. (R-C, Elmira) at the recent grand opening of the Julius "Jerry" Kohena Dental Clinic for the Developmentally Disabled at the Cerebral Palsy and Handicapped Children’s Association of Chemung County.

Winner secured funding in last year's state budget to assist the clinic's development.

With a snip of a green ribbon Jerry Kohena officially opened the new facility named in his honor. The new dental clinic, one of many services offered by the Cerebral Palsy and Handicapped Children’s Association of Chemung County, is specially designed to treat patients in wheelchairs, as well as those with other special needs. Prior to its opening, patients with disabilities often traveled as far away as Binghamton or Rochester for dental appointments.

"I’m just overwhelmed. What can I say? I guess I can say thank you and that this is such an honor," Kohena said, noting that the clinic has been in the planning stages for approximately five years. "The development of the dental clinic is a true team effort. Everyone from the Finance Department to the Maintenance Department to Dr. Alicia Bauman [dentist], pulled together to make this clinic a reality."

Cerebral Palsy Board President Michael Crimmins stated, "I have the rare privilege of honoring someone while he is still alive."

Crimmins went on to cite that Administrator Jerry Kohena and his wife were one of the founding families over fifty years ago and said, "Now Jerry has just added another jewel to Chemung County."

Assemblyman Tom O’Mara said, "A quick walk through of the clinic proves to me that the money has gone to a good cause. One hundred twenty patients in the first few weeks (of operation) is mind boggling."

The clinic is located in the Ann B. LeMark Building at 1118 Charles Street on Elmira’s Southside. Office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. For appointments or more information call 734-7107.