Caregiver Conversations

Episode 62 More Than a Smile: Oral Health, Caregiving & Community Healing

Episode Summary

In this moving episode of Caregiver Conversations, Kristie King sits down with Velisa Perry, Executive Director of United Health Organization, to discuss caregiving, grief, oral health equity, and the power of community connection. Velisa shares her deeply personal journey caring for her mother, Shirley Perry, during her battle with Alzheimer’s and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Through love, sacrifice, and resilience, she discovered a new purpose — advocating for oral health education and access across Detroit communities.

Episode Notes

Hosts:: Kristie King and Antonia Harbin-Lamb

Guest:Velisa Perry

Together, they explore:

• The emotional realities of caregiving
• Caring for yourself while caring for others
• How oral health impacts overall health and wellbeing
• Barriers to dental care in underserved communities
• Building trust through community relationships
• The importance of education, prevention, and representation in healthcare
• The work of the Wayne County Oral Health Coalition and the Oral Health Mobile Museum

Velisa’s story is a powerful reminder that caregiving can transform not only the lives of those we care for, but also our own purpose and calling.

Resources Mentioned

• Wayne County Oral Health Coalition
• United Health Organization
• Wayne County Community College District
• Oral Health Mobile Museum
• Youth oral health career programs
• WC OHC Website: wcohc.org

Senior Regional Collaborative (SRC)
www.semisrc.org
info@miseniors.org | ☎ 888-341-8593