I am expressing my strong support for the City Council’s passage of an emergency ordinance to optimize fluoride levels in Spokane’s water supply so that all people in the community – regardless of age, address, education, or income, have the best opportunity for improved health.

I am honored to serve as President of Molina Healthcare of Washington and a Board Member of Better Health Together (BHT). Molina Healthcare provides health coverage to more than 80,000 individuals in the City of Spokane through Apple Health (Medicaid), Medicare and the Health Insurance Marketplace. Molina has served Spokane for more than 20 years and currently employs over 100 staff at our Rock Point service center.

As the region’s largest Medicaid managed care organization, we know that dental conditions are a leading cause of visits by adults to hospital emergency departments. By acting now, the City Council will not only improve the overall health of the entire community but will also reduce stress on our local hospitals and health workers via reduced ED visits. Likewise, long term oral health for the Spokane community reduces other health impacts and costs, which is critical as we all continue to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and other community health challenges.

A commitment to community water fluoridation is a commitment to equity that supports the health and vitality of the community for generations to come. For the health of Molina’s members, staff, and the entire community, I urge the Council to move forward in support of community water fluoridation.

Peter Adler, president, Molina Healthcare of Washington;
board member, Better Health Together

Spokane

• See Background and all News Articles on the Campaign to Fluoridate Spokane