DeKalb health fair attracts crowd

By MASHAUN D. SIMON

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

For two days, Cynthia Hunter had been dealing with a toothache.

But because she is unemployed and does not have health insurance, she had decided she would just brave the pain. That is until her daughter suggested she take advantage of a health fair taking place in Stone Mountain.

“I was scared to death. I said a prayer before I got into the chair,” said the 51-year-old resident of Decatur. “I have not been to a dentist in 10 years.”

Hunter was one of dozens to attend the Healing and Dentistry from the Heart fair.

Hosted by Dr. Betty Dillion, at Gentle Family Dentistry on N. Hairston Road, this is the second year that the health fair has taken place.

According to Dillon, who in years past has traveled abroad to provide health services as a missionary, said this time the need in her community is more important.

“The need is right here around me,” she said. “There is no point in going elsewhere.”

Dillon said dentistry is usually a luxury for most people.

“Right now, because of the economy, people cannot afford basic health services. Hygiene, for most people, usually fall to teh wayside.”

And so she called on a few of her colleagues to put together this year’s health fair.

Anywhere from 400 to 500 people attended the fair, said Dillon, with about 90 receiving extractions, 200 receiving medical care, and the remainder being given a series of screenings and X-rays.

While it is the second annual, this year is the first time medical services like immunizations, blood pressure checks and other health services have been provided.

Hunter said the service was wonderful. She had her tooth extracted and was also given a pain pill prescription.

“Most importantly, I got that achy tooth out of my mouth,” she said.

-- Staff writer Megan Matteucci contributed to this report.