personally asking for your help about a public health issue

[Guest guest]

I'm sending this message to a number of my colleagues (blind-copied to protect your privacy) to ask your assistance. I'm researching to obtain some background for discussion of an important topic in my community of Hood River, Oregon where the migrant and community health center in which I practice is headquartered.

Hood River will hopefully present a ballot measure to voters in 2005 regarding fluoridation of the city water. The issue is a very contentious one locally. As a family physician I'm very much an advocate of fluoridation, and am among the clinicians (dental and medical) in our health center recommending that we officially endorse the measure.

Our clinic's leaders are interested to learn as soon as possible what other community-based, community health-minded professionals and clinics have done with respect to public endorsement of fluoridation.

To me, fluoridation of public water is especially important to promote the oral health of low-income adults and, especially, children.

May I ask you to drop me a brief note addressing the following, and/or to forward this to others whom you feel could give me such background about their communities? The questions follow my contact information below.

Many thanks for any help you can offer, with my apologies for the lack of a personal note to you.

Tina Castañares, MDHome Office:637 Highway 141White Salmon, WA 98672509 / 493-1600 voice347 / 412-0087 faxtina.castanares@...

Questions:

1. Are you aware of any community-based health care organization or agency (including your own) that has publically endorsed or advocated fluoridation (or maintaining fluoridation) in public water supplies?

2. Are you aware of any that has opposed fluoridation, or has intentionally remained neutral in a political or public controvery over fluoridation?

3. May/should I correspond with you individually about this? If so, please give contact information.