Published: May 28, 2009 10:42 pm      

United Way extends Dental Day deadline

By KANDACE MCCOY

kandace.mccoy@register-news.com

MT. VERNON — There are still approximately 25 spots open for the United Way of South Central Illinois Dental Day of Action, and as a result the organization is extending the deadline for financial applications until June 3.

During June 15 through 19, the United Way — in conjunction with 10 local Jefferson County dentists — will be offering free extractions and fillings for 50 residents with financial and medical needs. However, in order to provide these services, residents must fill out a financial application form and complete a medical screening, according to United Way Executive Director Rhonda McCowen.

“We are extending the deadline on our dental action day through Wednesday, June 3 at 10:30 a.m.,” McCowen explained. “We want to see the people that need it get this assistance. We’re about half-full, but have plenty of room for people that need [dental] help.”

The United Way will be setting up at Dr. Andy Hall School, 201 S. 17th St., on Monday between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to assist residents with completion of the financial application, and again on Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, she said. Those interested should bring their 2008 tax return if they have one and proof of current income and a list of medications.

Residents should be prepared, she added, that should they pass the financial screening, they may be required to return Wednesday afternoon at the church for the medical screening portion of the application, which will be held from 1 to 4:30 p.m.

“We’ll help them [fill out the paperwork] and make copies for them — whatever they need,” McCowen noted. “We don’t want to leave anyone without help.”

The United Way Dental Day of Action is part of a nation-wide annual event. Though the annual United Way Day of Action is typically scheduled for June 21, the longest day of the year, McCowen said in order to help the community, the local board decided to hold the event the previous week.

Dr. Allen Fry of Dental Arts has spearheaded a committee to enlist area dentists to offer free services June 15 through June 19 at their offices. The dentists offering services, including Fry, are Keith Wilcox and Michael Hiner of Dental Group of Mt. Vernon; Duane Davis and Bruce Thackery of Dental Arts; Lincoln Woodrome, Roger Woodrome and Tyson Tinsley; and George Neal.

To fill out an application, visit the United Way’s Web site at http://www.uw-sci.org/. You may also contact McCowen for more information at 242-8000.