The March of Dimes has earned the top donation of $20,000 in United Concordia Dental's Facebook charity giving program Champions for Wellness.
The organization earned more than 7,500 votes. The American Diabetes Association and Arthritis Foundation earned second and third place donations of $3,000 and $2,000, respectively.
During October and November, people who "liked" United Concordia's Facebook page could vote to award a total of $25,000 to the three national charities while they learned about the connection between oral and overall wellness.
United Concordia selected the three charities for its Facebook program based on research conducted with parent company Highmark Health Services. That research showed a significant reduction in healthcare costs is possible when an individual with diabetes, heart disease, cerebrovascular disease (stroke), or rheumatoid arthritis, or who is pregnant, is treated for gum disease.
United Concordia will present each charity with its donation in January.
