NYSDA [New York State Dental Association] and its charitable arm, the New York State Dental Foundation (the Foundation), have long been strong advocates for an infrastructure funding program to implement fluoridation of community water systems and to replace aging water fluoridation equipment in communities throughout New York State. This essential initiative removes the possibility of communities losing a vital public health resource simply because funding to replace infrastructure isn’t available.
The Centers for Diseases Control and leading health and medical experts around the world agree that fluoridation is a safe and cost-effective way to reduce tooth decay across all demographics. On a practical level, fluoridation reduces public health costs to municipalities, already skyrocketing. On a human level, it is the one way to ensure a level playing field for all in terms of obtaining and maintaining the optimal oral health that contributes immensely to overall well-being.
The NYS Department of Health has streamlined the procurement process for water fluoridation funding, which support costs related to the construction, installation, repair, replacement, or upgrade of fluoride equipment in drinking water facilities.
One opportunity supports municipalities with funding up to $50,000 for the planning and implementation of community water fluoridation.
The second opportunity supports municipalities seeking to upgrade, replace or repair existing water fluoridation equipment or install fluoridation systems in public water systems that have authorized the implementation of fluoridation. Applicants may request up to $1 million in funding.
Written questions will be accepted until 4:00 pm EST, THREE WEEKS PRIOR TO DUE DATE. All questions should be submitted electronically to DFHDWF@health.ny.gov. All questions should be submitted with the subject line “Drinking Water Fluoridation Grants”. If any updates and/or clarification of information are warranted, information will be posted in the Contract Reporter under the tab “Documents” for this announcement. Responses to questions received by 4:00 pm EST, THREE WEEKS PRIOR TO DUE DATE, will be posted continually on or about TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO DUE DATE.
To obtain more information and stay informed of this new funding opportunity, please sign up and register for an account with the Contract Reporter at https://www.nyscr.ny.gov/.
*Original article online at https://www.nysdental.org/news-publications/news/2021/08/05/the-new-york-state-department-of-health-announces-the-availability-of-funding-for-drinking-water-fluoridation