1609-12477

Massachusetts: This investment will support Health Resources in Action (HRiA) to retain the community water fluoridation (CWF) community organizer in order to ensure the successful implementation of the CWF efforts in Brockton, Massachusetts. In large part thanks to the efforts of HRiA and this community organizer, in 2015, the Brockton Board of Health ordered CWF. One year later, the Finance Committee of the City Council approved the measure, contingent upon securing resources for implementation. The community organizer will continue to play a key role in keeping the issue of CWF elevated among key decision-makers and help city officials secure resources needed for implementation. Among other things, the community organizer will continue working with the Board of Health, City Council, Water Commission, and Mayor’s Office. After implementation, she will also work to reach out to partners and community members to announce the news and to reinforce a strong oral health message advocating for tap water. The work aligns with Oral Health 2020 goal of eradicating dental disease in children and the target that, by 2020, 85% of children reach age five without a cavity. $15,000 will cover 332 hours of community organizer’s work, strategical support provided by HRiA, as well as printing and design of outreach materials, and any administrative expenses associated with this project.