To promote community water fluoridation across the state, and thanks to a gift from Delta Dental of Michigan, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services recently issued a request for proposals for the Fluoridation Equipment Grant to offer communities reimbursement for fluoridation equipment purchases. Communities may be eligible if they are not currently fluoridating and are purchasing equipment for the sole purpose of initiating community water fluoridation. If funds allow, this grant will also reimburse communities for upgrading and replacing exciting or worn out equipment.

Community water fluoridation is the process of adjusting the natural fluoride concentration of a community’s water supply to a level that is best for the prevention of dental cavities. Water fluoridation began in here in Michigan, down in Grand Rapids, in 1945, and for 70 years this preventive practice has been recognized as one of the ten great achievements in public health of the 20th century.

Today, more than 7 million people in Michigan are benefiting from community fluoridated water. For those systems currently wishing to initiate or continue this basic public health practice in their communities, this is an excellent opportunity to receive assistance with the cost of purchasing and installing fluoridation equipment.

Requests for the Fluoridation Equipment Grant can be made for up to $24,000, and must be used for new or replacement fluoridation equipment purchased in the contract period of April 1, 2016, through September 15, 2016. A Letter of Intent is due January 29, 2016, with the proposal or application due February 5, 2016.

The RFP is available here . Other fluoridation info available at www.michigan.gov/oralhealth.