October 23, 2003 -- Governor Mark R. Warner announced recently a partnership with the Virginia Dental Association and numerous other public and private organizations to provide a dental clinic and health fair in Martinsville Nov. 21 and 22. The Commonwealth Center, which is located in the former Tultex manufacturing facility will host the dental clinic and health fair.

"I was struck by the demand for and accomplishments of a free clinic in Southwest Virginia earlier this year," said Governor Warner. "I asked if we could make a similar effort in the Martinsville area, which has been hit hard by plant closings and joblosses. We must pull together as a family and find ways to help each other in times of need. I am grateful to the Virginia Dental Association and all those who are helping with this effort."

Representatives of the Virginia Department of Health, the Virginia Dental Association, the City of Martinsville, Henry County, and many Martinsville area community organizations including Memorial Hospital, the Community Health Center, Free Clinic, Department of Social Services, the Community Services Board, American Red Cross, and United Way are actively planning the event. HCA Hospitals and the University of Virginia Health System also pledged support for
this effort. The dental clinic and health fair will be open to all Martinsville area residents, especially those who are underinsured or non-insured and those with no medical home.

"I am looking forward to helping to provide residents of the Martinsville region with the tools and information they need to both >protect their health, and to successfully utilize available community health resources," said Jane Woods, Virginia Secretary of Health and Human Services, who was present at the recent organizational meeting in Martinsville.

While the dental clinic portion of the fair, sponsored by the Virginia Dental Association, will provide actual dental services such as checkups, cleanings, fillings and extractions, the fair also will be emphasizing the importance of proper nutrition, fitness and healthy lifestyles as a means of preventing disease and improving personal health.

The clinic will provide health screenings, and health education activities. Specific services will include: blood pressure, body mass index, blood sugar, cholesterol, hemoglobin, and vision
screenings. Other services that will be provided include influenza and pneumococcal immunizations, mammography exams, and telemedicine.

In addition, fair participants will be provided with information concerning how to access various "safety net" health care services, such as Medicaid, Family Access to Medical Insurance Security Plan, primary care, mental health, and various pharmaceutical assistance
programs.