Seventy Illinois Schools, including two Taylorville schools, will receive new water bottle filling stations as part of a grant program. Taylorville High School and Central Preschool both received new water bottle stations. The program is called the H2O On the Go grant program. This initiative was created by Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation and Illinois Children’s Healthcare Foundation to encourage students to drink more water. Illinois elementary, middle, and high schools selected statewide for this program will have existing water fountains replaced with new water bottle filling stations. Students will also receive toothbrushes and reusable water bottles.
H20 On the Go provides greater access to fluoridated drinking water for students and encourages them to choose water instead of sugary drinks like soda, juice, and sports drinks. According to Delta Dental of Illinois’ 2022 Children’s Oral Health Survey, 62% of Illinois parents reported that their child currently has or has experienced dental issues, with the most being cavities. A recent study published by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that increasing water also enhances energy, improves attention spans, and helps learning.
In addition to providing access to drinking water, the water bottle filling stations are certified to reduce lead and other harmful contaminants from water, as well as help to reduce waste and promote conservation efforts. To see a full list, visit www.deltadentalil.com/hto-on-the-go-recipients.
