The Michigan Department of Community Health Oral Health Program has selected 11 communities from across the state — including Midland — to initiate and maintain a community water fluoridation program for residents.

This is the third year fluoridation equipment grants have been awarded. This year they were made possible by a $100,000 donation from the Delta Dental Foundation.

“Water fluoridation has demonstrated its effectiveness in preventing tooth decay and more importantly, studies have shown that oral health is key to overall health,” said Christine Farrell, manager of the Oral Health Unit at MDCH. “These grants are a wonderful way to benefit the wellness of an entire community.”

About 90 percent of communities with a water system in Michigan have access to fluoridated water. However, some water systems in the state have old equipment that prohibits an effective fluoridation program. The fluoridation equipment grant program allows community water systems needing new and updated fluoride equipment to apply for funding.

Among the 2012 community winners was the city of Midland, which received $12,700.

Communities applied for the grants and went through a competitive review process. Awardees were chosen in May based on need, population size and evidence of fluoridation approval in the community.

For more information about community water fluoridation and the fluoridation equipment grants, visit www.michigan.gov/oralhealth

*Original article online at http://www.ourmidland.com/news/article/City-of-Midland-receives-grant-for-fluoridation-6974583.php

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