The Facial Foundation
The Collaborative continues to manage the work of The Facial Foundation of Greater Cincinnati.
The Facial Foundation, launched in January 2004, is dedicated to restoring faces and rebuilding lives. Its mission is to provide victims residing within Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky pro bono reconstructive surgery. These victims include those who have suffered facial disfigurement as a result of domestic violence and other violent crimes, accidents or other injuries, and who cannot access private care – either because they are uninsured, or because their insurance does not cover reconstructive surgery.
Through partnerships with local organizations, the Facial Foundation helps to provide emotional and physical assistance to these victims. In this effort, the Facial Foundation is sponsored by three area health care systems – The Health Alliance, Mercy Health Partners and TriHealth, Inc. – as well as area cosmetic surgeons and reconstructive dentists. To date, all of these sponsors have generously donated their services (e.g., surgical procedures, operating room time and staff, hospitalization, etc.).
In addition, the Foundation has boosted its fundraising efforts to benefit patients who require dental reconstruction. Approximately 75 percent of all facial injuries entail some degree of jaw or mouth trauma. Area dentists who specialize in reconstructive surgery have agreed to donate their services. However, before such surgeries can take place, the Facial Foundation must raise funds to purchase dental components (e.g., implants, bridges, crowns, bone grafts, etc.).