Dental Volunteers and Interpreters/Translators Needed for Health Fair for Latino Community

The North Carolina Hispanic Dental Association is encouraging dental professionals and translators/interpreters to participate in the Second Annual Feria de la Salud, a health fair for the Latino Community at St. Thomas Moore School gymnasium, April 14, 2002 from 2:30-5:00 p.m. The educational dental community of the UNC School of Dentistry established the local chapter of the National Hispanic Dental Association last year in response to the increasing number of Hispanics moving to area.

Hosted by the St. Thomas Moore Catholic School and El Centro Latino, the health fair will introduce newcomers to the local health care system; provide basic health and safety education, screenings for medical and dental problems and necessary immunizations. Organization such as the Orange County Health Department, Child Care Services Association, the UNC Dental School and Health Check/Health Services will provide screenings, including blood pressure, vision, dental and diabetes. Dental services will include screenings for children and adults, and education about preventive services and baby bottle tooth decay. Participants who need follow-up will be referred to a health care provider.

Last year more than 300 members of the Latino community received screenings about health and safety.Organizers expect 500 participants this year. Thirty organizations and service providers participated.

For additional information call El Centro Latino at 919 932-4652. The School of Dentistry contact is Paula Henao who can be reached at henaovar@email.unc.edu or pahv@mindspring.com