The Department of Public Health Sciences recently had the opportunity to give back to the community through a donation initiative benefiting the Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants (CIRI).
Thanks to the generosity of the UConn School of Dental Medicine, our department delivered nearly 800 dental hygiene products, including toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss, to support CIRI’s workshops and meet the everyday needs of the individuals and families they serve.
CIRI has long been a vital resource in Connecticut, providing compassionate, high-quality legal, social, and educational services to refugees, immigrants, and survivors of human trafficking and torture. In addition to helping individuals navigate complex systems and rebuild their lives, the organization works to ensure that families have access to essential resources that promote health, dignity, and well-being.
Access to basic hygiene products is an important, yet often overlooked, aspect of public health. Items such as toothbrushes and toothpaste play a significant role in preventing disease, promoting overall health, and supporting quality of life. By contributing these essentials, our department and partners hope to help reduce barriers to care and support the health of community members across Connecticut.
This donation effort reflects our department’s ongoing commitment to community engagement, health equity, and service. Collaborations like these demonstrate the power of partnership and the meaningful impact that can be made when organizations come together to address community needs.
We are grateful to the UConn School of Dental Medicine for their generous contribution and to CIRI for the incredible work they do every day in supporting some of Connecticut’s most vulnerable populations. We look forward to continuing opportunities to partner with organizations that advance health, equity, and community well-being.
Learn how you can help: https://health.uconn.edu/public-health-sciences/2026/05/18/2026-spring-cleaning-donation-drive/