The Community Health Action Coalition (CHAC), a group of 158 caring individuals from local health agencies that have worked tirelessly to improve the health of La Plata County residents for the past 15 years, strongly advocates for continuation of Durango’s water fluoridation as the most safe and effective way to prevent tooth decay, especially in children.
Is it really safe? Yes. Frequent scientific studies conducted over several decades have confirmed that fluoride added to community water supplies at optimal levels is safe. While some messages on the internet promote misunderstanding and confusion, scientific evidence collected over the past 70 years has supported both its safety and effectiveness.
Is it really effective? Yes. Initial analysis showed that water fluoridation reduced tooth decay by at least 25 percent over a person’s lifetime. Recent studies have shown the benefit to be far greater than originally projected.
Does it save money? Yes, again. It has been demonstrated that every dollar invested in water fluoridation saves $38 in health care costs.
Perhaps the final question must be, is it the right thing to do? The answer must be a resounding yes! Disadvantaged children are those who suffer the most from significant dental disease, but all children and adults deserve a chance for the good oral health that water fluoridation provides. In the past, we believed that tooth decay was an inevitable part of childhood and had no relationship to overall health and well-being. We have learned that both those assumptions were wrong.
Please vote “against” ballot issue 1A. The health of our community depends on it.
Lynn Westberg for CHAC
Durango
