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Health district to pursue fluoridation in Springfield this year

Springfield — The Clark County Combined Health District may ask voters to fluoridate the public water supply in Springfield this year, which health officials say will improve dental health for more than 85,000 residents.

SPECIAL REPORT: Healthy Springfield

More than 32 percent of Clark County residents have had between one and five permanent teeth removed because of tooth decay or gum disease, according to the most recent Community Health Assessment completed in 2016.

The city commission could vote on placing the initiative on the ballot on Jan. 30. It’s possible the issue could be placed on either the May or November ballot, Health Commissioner Charles Patterson said.

“The sooner we can begin fluoridation, the sooner we can begin affording our citizens what 80 percent of citizens already have,” Patterson said.

About 85 percent of Ohio residents have access to fluoridated water, Patterson said. Springfield is the largest of 22 Ohio cities without fluoridated water, he said.

Find out more about why Springfield doesn’t have fluoride in its water.

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