Carla Lidner named ‘Hometown Hero’

 

Dr. Carla Lidner (right), Joseph Rodriguez, and Cherie Gruenfeld were named Hometown Heroes during the Children’s Hospital Gala held Sunday, February 23.

Dr. Carla Lidner, assistant professor, dental educational services, was named a Hometown Hero during the Children’s Hospital 10th anniversary gala held Sunday, February 23, in the Drayson Center.

As she has worked with Proposition 10 grant funding, Dr. Lidner found creative ways to break through barriers to care to provide dental treatment for children under the age of 5, who would otherwise be without care.

Dr. Lidner co-wrote and was awarded a two-year grant from the Commission on Children and Families for $1.1 million. The program was so successful that the School of Dentistry received a second two-year grant of $2.3 million to continue the program.

Working in partnership with many departments within the School, community dentists, as well as with agencies including Head Start, more than 7,000 children in desperate need will receive dental care in 2003.

The LLU Children’s Hospital Foundation initiated the “Hometown Hero” award program in early 1997 to recognize the contributions of individuals who help make a difference in children’s lives, while enriching the community.

In addition to Dr. Lidner, Cherie Gruenfeld, a retired teacher and triathlete, and Joseph Rodriguez, a nurse, were also named Hometown Heroes.