Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation, Illinois Children’s Healthcare Foundation Now Accepting 2023 Applications for H2O On the Go
NAPERVILLE, Ill. (April 27, 2023) – Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation and Illinois Children’s Healthcare Foundation are accepting 2023 applications for their annual H2O On the Go grant program. This program replaces existing water fountains with new water bottle-filling stations at elementary, middle and high schools throughout Illinois.
All elementary, middle and high schools in Illinois are eligible and encouraged to apply for the H2O On the Go grant program. Preference is given to schools that do not already have a water bottle-filling station. Applications will be accepted through 5 p.m., May 22, at deltadentalil.com/h2o-on-the-go.
The Foundations launched the H2O On the Go program in 2020 as part of their shared initiatives to improve the overall health and well-being of Illinois children. Tooth decay, although mostly preventable, is the leading chronic infectious disease among children. Choosing water instead of sugary beverages like soda, juice and sports drinks can help keep teeth strong and reduce cavities by almost 25%.1 Water as a beverage choice can also help prevent obesity, boost energy levels and increase students’ cognitive function.
H2O On the Go will make it easier for Illinois students to have access to drinking water throughout the day and choose water over other beverages. Schools that apply and are approved will receive a water bottle-filling station, along with reusable water bottles and toothbrushes for students.
In addition to encouraging students to drink more water, H2O On the Go reduces waste and promotes conservation efforts. The water bottle-filling stations are also touch-free, which decreases germ exchange.
In the first three years of the H2O On the Go program, a total of 206 Illinois schools have received a water bottle-filling station. To review past recipients or to apply for the H2O On the Go program, visit deltadentalil.com/h2o-on-the-go.
About Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation
The Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation was formed in March 2008 and is the 501(c)(3) charitable arm of Delta Dental of Illinois. Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation works to support and improve the oral health of people in Illinois, with a specific focus on children. In the past decade, combined efforts of Delta Dental of Illinois and Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation have provided more than $20 million to programs and organizations in Illinois that improve the oral health of the state’s residents. For additional information, visit deltadentalil.com/ddilfoundation.
About Illinois Children’s Healthcare Foundation
The Illinois Children's Healthcare Foundation (ILCHF) has a single vision: Every child in Illinois grows up healthy. Working through grantee partners across the state, the Foundation focuses its grant making on identifying and funding solutions to the barriers that prevent children from accessing the ongoing health care they need. For more information, go to ilchf.org.
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1Centers for Disease Control and Prevention