Smile Spokane Receives Oral Health Hero Award from Arcora

We are so pleased Smile Spokane and its Healthy Smiles Subcommittee are the recipients of Arcora’s Oral Health Hero Awards for their work toward implementing Community Water Fluoridation. This couldn’t have happened without the amazing leadership of Alison Poulsen, Jerrie Allard, and Ben Stuckart along with the groundswell of support from countless community members, health care members, housing organizations, church pastors, activists, and parents who came out to support this public health initiative. This is a critical first step to radically improving the oral health of our city.

“Future Spokane residents will have Smile Spokane and its Healthy Smiles Subcommittee to thank for their improved oral health. Over the past 5 years, Smile Spokane has been laying the groundwork for community water fluoridation through community education and community engagement. This culminated earlier this year when Smile Spokane and Healthy Smiles requested the Spokane City Council implement community water fluoridation, and the City Council voted 6-1 in favor of beginning these efforts. 

Hundreds of individuals, and more than fifty organizations, signed on in support of fluoridation, a cost-effective and equitable approach to prevent cavities for everyone without regard to race, ethnicity, age or income. On the day of the vote, seventy-five local residents and organizations signed up to testify in support. Thank you to the leadership of Alison Poulsen, Jerrie Allard, and Ben Stuckart. You are all heroes and champions for health equity.”

Arcora Foundation

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