The Dalton-Whitfield NAACP is set to host its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Community Health Fair on January 19, 2024. This event will take place at the Mack Gaston Community Center from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., offering free health screenings, flu shots, wellness activities, and access to community resources. Open to the public, the fair aims to honor Dr. King’s legacy through acts of service and community care.
Now in its third year, the health fair is a testament to the NAACP’s commitment to serving the local community. Chelsea DeWaters, communications chair for the Dalton-Whitfield NAACP, emphasized the importance of connecting individuals with essential resources. “Our chapter focuses on serving the community and providing ways for people to come together,” she stated. “While a health fair may not be the first thing that comes to mind for Martin Luther King Day, it ultimately reflects how we can support one another.”
This year’s event expands upon previous offerings, placing a greater emphasis on preventative health and hands-on care. Attendees can look forward to various free services, including blood pressure checks, blood sugar and glucose testing, A1C, PSA, and cholesterol screenings, as well as hearing tests and wellness education. For the first time, free flu shots will also be available.
DeWaters noted that the fair aims to create a nurturing environment. “We’ve made it more of a nurturing experience this year,” she explained. “You can come and receive a thorough check-up for free—blood pressure, A1C, weight checks—and start the year with a better understanding of your health. Fitness activities, free massages, and learning opportunities will also be available, not just testing.”
Activities and Community Engagement
An exercise room at the community center will host sessions of Silver Sneakers and chair yoga every 15 minutes starting at 11:45 a.m. Additionally, door prizes will be awarded throughout the event, with participants required to be present to win.
DeWaters highlighted the event’s significance in reflecting the NAACP’s mission, especially on a day that holds deep meaning. “It’s a way to spend this sacred day together, literally taking care of each other as a community,” she said. “We gather to remember Dr. King while also engaging in the vital work of caring for one another.”
The success of the health fair is also attributed to the dedication of the Mack Gaston Community Center staff. “Michael Robinson, our new community center director, and his team have put in tremendous effort,” DeWaters remarked. “They are hosting the fair and ensuring everything runs smoothly, even on their day off. This dedication highlights the importance of this event for our community.”
Participating organizations at the fair will include various healthcare providers, fitness and wellness groups, housing and insurance advocates, legal services, and mental health resources. These groups will provide both educational information and direct services in a single location, making it easier for residents to access necessary support.
The NAACP encourages community members of all ages to attend, emphasizing that many of the services offered are often difficult to access for free. “It’s not just about honoring Dr. King in words,” DeWaters added. “It’s about honoring that legacy through action, by helping people get what they need.”
The Dalton-Whitfield NAACP’s health fair exemplifies a proactive approach to community wellbeing, fostering a spirit of collaboration and care in honor of a pivotal figure in civil rights history.
