Fluoridation for Oregon: It's about time
House Bill 2025, currently under consideration by the Oregon
Legislature, would require Oregon cities of more than 10,000 people
to fluoridate their water supplies. Fluoridation is a
perfectly safe and proven public health measure that has been
protecting the teeth of U.S. citizens for 60 years. More than
145 million people in 10,000 communities across the United States
enjoy the benefits of fluoridated
water . . .But not Oregon.
Only about 20 percent of Oregonians currently drink fluoridated
water, ranking us 48th out of 50 states in terms of protecting our
citizens' teeth. That's not just an appalling statistic--it's
also a costly one. Untreated tooth decay causes children to
miss school and adults to miss work, it results in lower
productivity, and it ultimately hits everyone's pocketbook in the
form of increased insurance premiums and higher hospital bills.
Tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease--five
times more common than asthma and seven times more common than hay
fever. But unlike asthma and hay fever, tooth decay is
entirely preventable, and statewide water fluoridation is the safest
and most cost-effective method we have for preventing it.
Fluoridation protects everyone: young and old, rich and poor,
at a cost of only about $1 per person per year.
And isn't a lifetime of healthy teeth worth $1 a year?
How you can help
Telephone, write, or e-mail your state legislator today and ask
them to support House Bill 2025: the statewide fluoridation
bill. Your message does not need to be long or complex.
You need only say that you are in favor of water fluoridation and
you would like your legislator to vote YES on HB 2025 when it comes
up for a vote. If you need more information or assistance,
please contact the Oregon Dental Association at 303-620-3230.
Contact your legislators today
and urge them to support HB 2025: the statewide fluoridation
bill.
It's good for you . . and
for Oregon!
How to contact your legislator
By telephone:
Phone 1-800-332-2313, ask for your legislator by name, and leave
a message that you would like him or her to support HB 2025:
the statewide fluoridation bill.
By mail:
Send a short note (it may be typed or handwritten, whichever you
prefer) to your legislator, and urge his or her support of HB 2025:
the statewide fluoridation bill.
Addressing Senators:
The Honorable [FULL NAME]
900 Court Street NE
Salem, Oregon 97301
Dear Senator [LAST NAME]:
Addressing Representatives:
The Honorable [FULL NAME]
900 Court Street NE
Salem, Oregon 97301
Dear Representative [LAST NAME]:
Letters should close with:
"Respectfully," or "Sincerely,"
By e-mail:
Log on to:
www.leg.state.or.us. Click on "Write Your
Legislator" on the right hand side of the page and enter your home
address. The web page will automatically connect you with your
legislator's e-mail address--you can compose and send your message
right there!
If you don't know your district:
Log on to:
www.leg.state.or.us. Click on "Find Your
Legislator" on the right hand side of the page and enter your home
address. The web page will automatically generate the names
and addresses of your elected officials.
If you don't have a computer: Call your county elections
office. You'll find them in the blue pages of your telephone
book under "County Government - Elections Office." The clerk
will be able to give you the names and addresses of your
legislators.
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