RTD Op-ed: Rebuilding Trust in Virginia’s Drinking Water

In her op-ed for the Richmond Times-Dispatch, Virginia Health Catalyst CEO Sarah Bedard Holland highlights the urgent need to restore trust in Virginia’s drinking water systems following a recent crisis in Richmond. She underscores that safe, reliable water is essential for everyone’s health, especially for communities of color and low-income households who often face the greatest barriers to access.

While Virginia's tap water meets rigorous safety standards, historical inequities and occasional infrastructure failures have eroded trust. This mistrust disproportionately affects Black households, who are half as likely as White households to express satisfaction with their water utility. Sarah calls for bold action: investing in infrastructure, listening to community voices, and fostering transparency to build a water system that works equitably for all.

Celebrating 80 Years of Community Water Fluoridation

This year marks the 80th anniversary of community water fluoridation, a groundbreaking public health innovation that continues to protect smiles and improve health. By adding small, safe amounts of fluoride to public water systems, communities across the nation have significantly reduced cavities and strengthened oral health for all, especially for children and families with limited access to dental care. Join us in celebrating this milestone and reflecting on the power of prevention through equitable health solutions.

What is fluoride and why does it matter?

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that strengthens tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay. Since its introduction to community water systems in 1945, fluoride has significantly improved oral health and has proven to reduce cavities by about 25% in children and adults. This low-cost, effective public health measure ensures that everyone, regardless of income or access to dental care, benefits from preventive oral health care.

What do dentists think?

Dentists overwhelmingly support community water fluoridation. A recent survey by the American Dental Association’s Health Policy Institute found that 82% of dentists strongly support fluoridation as a public health measure, and 10% somewhat support it. This strong endorsement reflects the consensus on fluoridation’s critical role in reducing dental decay and improving public health.

What is the impact of stopping water fluoridation?

After Calgary, Canada, stopped fluoridating its water in 2011, the city saw a sharp rise in childhood cavities. Within a few years, urgent dental treatments for children under general anesthesia increased by nearly 80%. The city reinstated water fluoridation in 2024 after recognizing its importance. This serves as a powerful reminder of how fluoridation safeguards oral health.

How can I respond to misinformation about water fluoridation?

It's important to listen to their concerns with kindness and understanding. Let them know that U.S. water systems are carefully monitored to ensure safety, and reassure them that their worries are taken seriously. Explain that fluoridation is supported by over 75 years of research and endorsed by organizations like the World Health Organization. Highlight its proven benefits, like reducing dental decay and saving families money. Sharing personal stories or examples, such as Calgary’s rise in cavities after stopping fluoridation, can also help convey its importance.

Join the Water Fluoridation Rapid Response Team

Catalyst supports community water fluoridation as a fundamental aspect of public health. For drinking water resources, fact sheets, and our official water fluoridation statement, please visit our community water fluoridation page.

Catalyst is also collaborating with the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and other state partners to assist localities in maintaining existing water fluoridation practices or establishing new ones. These efforts include addressing local fluoridation challenges, promoting VDH programs that offer training and education, and providing funding to localities for improving water system equipment.

Join the 2025 Catalyst Summit Planning Committee!

We are seeking enthusiastic individuals to join the Planning Committee for the 2025 Catalyst Annual Summit. The Summit is scheduled for October 17, 2025, and offers a valuable opportunity for learning and networking focused on advancing oral and overall health equity in Virginia. The Summit brings together over 200 partners to explore innovative solutions to public health challenges.

As a Planning Committee member, you’ll play a vital role in shaping this impactful event by:

• Assisting with breakout session planning and review.

• Connecting us with potential sponsors to support our fundraising goals.

• Supporting our marketing efforts to increase attendance and engagement.

Time Commitment: About 10–15 hours from March through October, including five virtual 1-hour committee meetings and additional collaboration via email or phone.

Benefits for Committee Members:



• Complimentary Summit registration ($235 value).

• An invitation to the pre-Summit dinner.

• Recognition in the Summit Program Book and event slideshow.

If you’re interested in contributing your time and talents to this important work, sign up using the form below!

Potential Medicaid Rollback Threatens Health Coverage for Virginians

Recent discussions at the federal level about potential Medicaid funding cuts pose a significant threat to health coverage for many Virginians. A state law mandates that if federal support decreases by even 1%, Virginia's 2019 Medicaid expansion could be reversed, potentially leaving over 630,000 residents without insurance.

Medicaid expansion has been instrumental in providing access to essential health services, especially in rural areas. For instance, in the western half of the state, more than 178,000 individuals have gained coverage since 2019. This expansion has not only improved individual health outcomes but also bolstered the financial stability of rural hospitals that rely on Medicaid reimbursements.

The possible reversal of Medicaid expansion poses a risk of increasing health disparities and jeopardizing the advancements made in health equity in Virginia. Such a policy shift could profoundly affect our communities, especially those already grappling with considerable health issues.

Efforts are underway to safeguard Medicaid expansion. State legislators have proposed budget amendments to remove the trigger law that would reverse expansion if federal funding decreases. These measures aim to ensure continued access to health coverage for Virginians who depend on Medicaid for their health care needs.

2025 Legislative Priorities to Strengthen Virginia’s Oral Health Workforce

We continued to advocate for our legislative priorities at the General Assembly this week, where legislators began focusing on budgets. If you would like to support our advocacy efforts for these priorities, please complete our advocacy registration form. for your support!

Strengthen Virginia’s Oral Health Workforce! Support Item 279 #7h (Willett) and Item 271 #4s (VanValkenburg). Loan repayment programs improve provider recruitment and retention in underserved areas. Delegate Willett and Senator VanValkenburg’s $1.6 million budget amendment will enable the Virginia Health Workforce Development Authority to make annual loan repayment awards for 20 dentists and 20 dental hygienists in return for serving Virginia’s most underserved populations.

Protect Virginia’s Medicaid Expansion! Support Item 288 #21s (Hashmi) and Item 288 #22s (Deeds). Medicaid is the public health insurance program for many low-income and disabled Americans. Congress is considering proposals to reduce the federal government’s financial contribution to the program. Reducing this contribution could put coverage at risk for over 600,000 Virginians. Senators Hashmi and Deeds’ budget amendments would prevent the automatic disenrollment of Medicaid expansion enrollees.

Expand Access to School-Based Health Care! Support Item 295 #9h (Laufer). Place-based care brings health care to where people are, including community centers, places of worship, and schools. Delegate Laufer’s language-only budget amendment will accelerate the establishment of school-based health care programs, making care more readily available to Virginia’s children.

Support Virginia Community College System Dental Hygiene Programs! Support Item 200 #5h (Laufer). Virginia’s community college dental hygiene programs are declining. Programs have up to eight times as many applicants as they can accept, partially because of clinical faculty shortages. Delegate Laufer’s $980,000 budget amendment would help address this issue by helping VCCS hire and retain faculty.

Design a Community Health Worker Medicaid Benefit! Support Item 292 #1h (Sickles) and Item 292 #13s (Pillion). Community health workers (CHWs) improve health, reduce disparities, and save money. Delegate Sickles’ and Senator Pillion’s budget amendments will fund the design of a CHW Medicaid benefit, leading to a more sustainable CHW workforce and more access to comprehensive care.

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