City of Sand Springs receives award for Water Fluoridation Quality

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Shell Lake is one of two water sources for Sand Springs, the other being Skiatook Lake.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) recently announced that 13 water systems have been awarded a Water Fluoridation Quality Award from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the year 2018.

Fluoridation is the adjustment of fluoride in drinking water to a level that is effective for preventing tooth decay. The award recognizes those communities which achieved excellence in community water fluoridation by maintaining a consistent optimal level of fluoride in drinking water throughout 2018.

During 2018, a total of 1,656 public water systems in 30 states received these awards, including 13 in Oklahoma.

“The Oklahoma State Department of Health supports community water fluoridation and recognizes the practice as beneficial to all who drink and use the water,” said Dr. Jana Winfree, director of the OSDH Dental Health Service. “Preventive dental care programs, such as community water fluoridation, make a real difference in improving the health of Oklahomans.”

Community water fluoridation has been recognized by CDC as one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th Century. CDC recommends water fluoridation as one of the most practical, cost-effective, equitable, and safe measures a community can take to prevent tooth decay and improve oral health.

“Water fluoridation is one of the best investments that a community can make in maintaining the oral health of its citizens. It is equally as effective in preventing cavities in children and adults,” said Casey Hannan, acting director of the CDC Division of Oral Health. “Fluoridation is also highly cost effective. Studies continue to show that for every $1 a community invests in water fluoridation, $20 are saved in dental treatment costs.”

The following water systems received awards:

  • Bartlesville

  • Chickasha Municipal Authority

  • Madill

  • Muskogee

  • Oklahoma Ordnance Works Authority (OOWA) – Pryor

  • Oklahoma City – Draper

  • Oklahoma State University – Stillwater

  • Ponca City Municipal Water

  • City of Sand Springs

  • Stillwater

  • Tahlequah – Tenkiller

  • Tulsa – A.B. Jewell

  • Tulsa – Mohawk

Gov. signs ‘Kristin’s Law’; measure will better protect domestic violence victims

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SUBMITTED

Legislation that changes the legal definition of “pattern of physical abuse” has been signed into law. Senate Bill 1491, also known as Kristin’s Law, authored by Senator Bryce Marlatt and Representative Scott Biggs, was approved by Governor Mary Fallin on Wednesday.  Marlatt said the change will enable tougher penalties to be handed down sooner—a change that could help save lives.

“Studies of cases right here in Oklahoma show that in the vast majority of domestic violence cases that ended in homicide there was prior evidence of domestic abuse,” said Marlatt, R-Woodward. “Domestic violence tends to escalate. The more incidents that happen, the more dangerous the situation becomes. By applying stronger penalties sooner, hopefully we can stop some of these offenders before it’s too late. I appreciate the tremendous bipartisan support in both chambers and am grateful to Governor Fallin for signing this bill into law.”

Under current law, there must be three or more separate incidences of domestic abuse within the previous twelve months. Kristin’s Law would reduce that by requiring two separate incidents of domestic abuse to establish that pattern, and it would no longer be required that the two incidents must have happened in the previous year. If that pattern is established, conviction carries a penalty of up to ten years in prison and/or a fine of up to $5,000.

“I cannot stress enough the importance of reducing domestic violence,” said Biggs, R-Chickasha, a former prosecutor. “Spouses often have little recourse when the person who is supposed to be in their corner is instead their victimizer. I think this legislation will help us to intervene more quickly and increase the protection of domestic violence victims. I thank Governor Fallin for her support of this legislation.”

Kristin’s Law will become effective November 1, 2016.