Dissipating Disparities Inc

Rooted in Community. Powered by Purpose. Dissipating Disparities Together.

Since becoming a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2014, Dissipating Disparities, Inc. (DDI) has worked to ensure that where a person lives, what they earn, or the resources available in their community do not determine their opportunity to be healthy, informed, and empowered.

DDI was created from a deeply personal understanding of rural Georgia. Founder Dr. Carlisha Gentles, a pharmacist, public health professional, community advocate, and native of Thomaston, recognized firsthand the health, education, and economic inequities affecting families in Upson County and surrounding communities. DDI was built to move beyond simply recognizing those inequities and toward action.

Our mission is to eliminate disparities and empower communities through Awareness, Acceptance, and Action in three interconnected areas: health and wellness, education, and financial literacy.

Today, DDI is a grassroots, community-rooted organization serving historically underserved and under-resourced communities throughout rural Middle Georgia, including communities of color, low-income families, and uninsured and underinsured residents. These communities often face barriers such as limited transportation, provider shortages, financial constraints, low health literacy, and reduced access to preventive and specialty care.

DDI meets people where they are. We bring healthcare professionals, educators, financial experts, community organizations, volunteers, and trusted partners into churches, community centers, schools, housing communities, neighborhoods, and other familiar spaces. Through free health screenings, wellness education, resource navigation, financial literacy, youth programming, scholarships, and community events, DDI has touched more than 10,000 lives.

Education has always been an important part of that commitment. DDI's historical records document more than $25,000 in scholarships awarded to 34 students pursuing education and greater opportunity.

Our signature Saving Ourselves FREE Health Fair & Community Expo has brought critical resources directly to families for more than a decade. On September 26, 2026, DDI will host its 11th Annual Health Fair & Community Expo, offering free preventive services, health education, community resources, and free mammograms in partnership with Atrium Health Navicent.

But our vision extends beyond one day. DDI is expanding its Pop-Up Health & Resource Fair model to bring preventive screenings, wellness education, mental health resources, financial literacy, and connections to community services to multiple locations throughout the year—closer to where people live, worship, learn, and gather.

Give 8/28 holds special meaning for DDI because it celebrates Black philanthropy and the power of Black-led and Black-benefiting grassroots organizations to create solutions rooted in the communities they know and love. Our story reflects that spirit. DDI grew from within the community, and our work continues through the collective power of residents, churches, healthcare professionals, educators, businesses, volunteers, partners, and donors who believe underserved communities deserve access, opportunity, and investment.

Your Give 8/28 gift helps us keep programs free, bring preventive health services into under-resourced communities, support students and families, strengthen local partnerships, and expand year-round outreach.

Every gift matters. Every student matters. Every screening matters. Every family matters.

This Give 8/28, help DDI continue turning Awareness → Acceptance → Action and building healthier, more informed, and more empowered communities—one person, one family, and one neighborhood at a time.