CITGO Corpus Christi Refinery is proud to continue its long-time community partnership with Mission of Mercy, celebrating one year of service for the organization’s CITGO Dental Clinic. With a $50,000 donation from CITGO last year, the organization was able to expand its no-cost medical care to the uninsured and under-insured in our community.
During its first year of service, approximately 15 patients were served every month, receiving exams, x-rays, cleanings, fillings, and extractions. This also included repeat visitors who required extensive dental work. The organization has recruited a dedicated group of local volunteers, including dentists, dental assistants, and dental hygienists, who donate their personal time to provide free dental care to patients who arguably need it most.
“CITGO understands that a healthier community is a better community. That is one of many reasons we made this significant investment in Mission of Mercy and its dental clinic,” said Ryan Vining, Vice President, and General Manager, CITGO Corpus Christi Refinery. “One year later, we are excited to hear from patients and Mission of Mercy staff about the positive impact that the clinic is already making.”
Sherry Bowers, Executive Director of Mission of Mercy, said there are long-term plans to offer more services at the dental clinic, including dentures and partials. According to Bowers, the Texas Department of State Health Services stated in 2020 that over ten percent of adults in Corpus Christi have lost six or more teeth, making the free care offered by the dental clinic especially important to the health of our community.
“Through the partnership and generosity of CITGO, Mission of Mercy has been able to provide essential dental care at no cost to those in need, offering relief, restoring smiles, and instilling hope,” Bowers said. “As we celebrate the one-year anniversary, I am truly grateful for the generous gift of $50,000 to open our free Dental Clinic. The enduring commitment has truly made a significant impact on the health and well-being of our community by ensuring access to essential dental care for all.”
Bowers said the organization is continually recruiting more dental professionals to volunteer so the clinic can improve the oral health of current patients and serve others in need.
About CITGO
CITGO Petroleum Corporation is a recognized leader in the refining industry and operates under the well-known CITGO brand. CITGO owns and operates three refineries located in Lake Charles, La.; Lemont, Ill.; and Corpus Christi, Texas, and wholly and/or jointly owns 42 active terminals, six pipelines, and three lubricants blending and packaging plants. With approximately 3,300 employees and a combined crude capacity of approximately 807,000 barrels per day (bpd), CITGO ranks as the fifth-largest and is one of the most complex independent refiners in the United States.
CITGO transports and markets transportation fuels, lubricants, petrochemicals, and other industrial products and supplies a network of approximately 4,000 locally owned and independently operated branded retail outlets, all located east of the Rocky Mountains. CITGO Petroleum Corporation is owned by CITGO Holding, Inc.
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