Jefferson Parish Government: JEFFERSON PARISH WATER DEPARTMENTRECEIVES WATER FLUORIDATION QUALITY AWARD

Metairie LA

29 January, 2022

11:38 AM

Description

Press release from the Jefferson Parish Government: January 28, 2022 JEFFERSON, LA - Well-Ahead Louisiana recently announced that the Jefferson Parish Water Department has been awarded two Water Fluoridation Quality Awards from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Fluoridation is the adjustment of fluoride in drinking water to a level that is effective for preventing tooth decay. This award program recognizes communities that achieved excellence in community water fluoridation by maintaining a consistent level of fluoride in drinking water throughout 2020. A total of 1,292 public water systems in 29 states received an award for 2020, including 25 in Louisiana. Two of the 25 awards in Louisiana went to Jefferson Parish. "Congratulations to our Water Department, under the leadership of Director Sidney Bazley for this accomplishment," said Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng. "I am thankful for all the employees at both of our water treatment plants for their dedication and attention to detail in maintaining consistent levels of fluoride in our water to help keep the residents of Jefferson Parish healthy." Community water fluoridation has been recognized by CDC as one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th Century. The CDC recommends water fluoridation as one of the most practical, cost-effective, equitable and safe measures a community can take to prevent tooth decay and improve oral health. "Water fluoridation is one of the best investments that a community can make in maintaining the oral health of its citizens. It is equally as effective in preventing cavities in children and adults," stated Casey Hannan, MPH, director of CDC's Division of Oral Health. "Fluoridation is also highly cost effective. Studies continue to show that for every $1 a community invests in water fluoridation, $20 are saved in dental treatment costs." "These awards represent communities who have taken the lead for better oral health for their residents by ensuring their water is not only fluoridated, but done so in a consistently accurate way. The Jefferson Parish Water Department is doing an excellent job performing this important service," said Melissa Martin, director of Well-Ahead Louisiana. Well-Ahead Louisiana is the chronic disease prevention and healthcare access arm of the Louisiana Department of Health. For more information, visit www.wellaheadla.com. For more information about Jefferson Parish, visit www.JeffParish.net. Residents can also receive regular updates by following the Parish on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@JeffParishGov). ### This press release was produced by the Jefferson Parish Government. The views expressed here are the author's own.