Fluoridation Equipment Grant Available Through Department of Health and Human Services

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Fluoridation of a community water system is one of the most cost effective and efficient ways to reduce dental disease in a population. Over 65 years of research on this topic has proven community water fluoridation to be safe and effective in improving the oral health of the community’s citizens.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Oral Health Program is primarily looking to promote community water fluoridation by offering to reimburse communities currently not fluoridating for fluoridation equipment purchases for the sole purpose to initiate community water fluoridation in their community. A generous gift from Delta Dental of Michigan is once again available to help communities with acquiring new fluoridation equipment.

Close to 7 million people in Michigan are benefiting from community fluoridated water. For those systems currently wishing to initiate this basic public health practice in their communities the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Oral Health Program is providing grants of up to $24,000 to assist with the cost of the purchase and installation of fluoridation equipment. The funds must be used for new and replacement fluoridation equipment purchased in the contract period of April 1, 2016- September 15, 2016.

First priority will be given to Michigan water systems currently without a water fluoridation program. If funds allow, reimbursement for replacement fluoridation equipment will be offered to those Michigan communities needing to update their fluoridation equipment for the sole purpose of continuing community water fluoridation in their community.

For more information please click the following link. 2015-16_Fluoridation_RFP_504412_7

Should your community have any question regarding the fluoridation of a community water system please contact Sandra Sutton, Community Water Fluoridation Coordinator, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, at 517-373-0238 or suttons2@michigan.gov.

John LaMacchia is a Legislative Associate for the League handling transportation, infrastructure, and energy issues. He can be reached at jlamacchia@mml.org or 517-908-0303.