HomeMy WebLinkAboutWashington State Department of Health SM�E(,fl WASV11MMON
January 15, 2016
City Council
City of Port Angeles
321 East Fifth Street
Port Angeles, WA 98362
Dear City Council:
On behalf of the state of Washington, we want to thank you for your leadership in continuing to
optimize the fluoride for Port Angeles' residents. Your action will not only help ensure Port
Angeles residents continue to receive the systemic health benefits provided by community water
fluoridation, but is good for our state as a whole.
While we recognize and respect that this is a local issue, we stand with you in support of
community water fluoridation. In 2013 the Washington State Board of Health released seven
strategic recommendations to improve the oral health of Washington residents. These
recommendations were based on a review of established evidence and best practice models,
consultation with expert informants, and input from Washington state and National expert oral
health panels. Special consideration was given to oral health strategies that are evidence based,
cost effective, and impact high risk populations. Expanding and maintaining access to
community water fluoridation for the health benefits for children adults and seniors was endorsed
by the Board of Health as to meeting the criteria to improve the oral health of our residents.
Thank you again for considering the scientific data and expert testimony on community water
fluoridation. Your efforts will benefit the residents of Port Angeles for years to come.
Warm re s
Robert Crittenden, MD, MPH J Wiesman, DrPH, MPH
Senior Special Assistant for Health Reform Secretary of Health
Office of Governor Jay Inslee Washington State Department of Health