Number
120188
Version
ORIGINAL
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. BOHL
Title
Resolution authorizing the transfer and expenditure of funds within the Milwaukee Water Works to create an oral health program for medically-underserved children.
Analysis
This resolution authorizes the transfer of funds, in the amount of $540,000, used for the fluoridation of water distributed by the Milwaukee Water Works to a new account to create the “To Every Child a Healthy Smile” program, an oral health program for medically-underserved children in the City.
Body
Whereas, In 1953, the Common Council voted to add fluoride to the water supply at a time when Milwaukee had a serious problem of tooth decay and, unlike today, fluoridated tooth pastes, gels and mouthwash were not readily available; and
Whereas, Fluoridation is unethical as individuals are not asked for their informed consent prior to medication, as is standard practice for the administration of all other medications; and
Whereas, Medically-underserved children are often without dental care due to the economic constraints dentists experience as a result of low reimbursement rates through Medicare programs such as BadgerCare; and
Whereas, As a result, low-income children have less access to dental care, less preventive measures and less access to education, all of which contribute to oral health problems; and
Whereas, Statistics show that out of about 111,000 Medicaid-eligible children in Milwauke County, only about 21,000 children have received dental exams; and
Whereas, The Milwaukee Water Works estimates the cost for 2012 of introducing sodium silicofluoride or other fluoride compounds into water distributed by the Milwaukee Water Works to be $540,000; and
Whereas, The Milwaukee Water Works Account No. 632000-Fund No. 0410-Dept. No. 6412-Program No. 5221-Class No. R999-Year 2012 and Account No. 632000-Fund No. 0410-Dept. No. 6416-Program No. 5222-Class No. R999-Year 2012, have an approximate combined existin...
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