Sixty-seven Illinois schools will receive new water bottle-filling stations to encourage students to drink more water as part of the third round of H2O On the Go funding, a grant program created by Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation and Illinois Children’s Healthcare Foundation. H2O On the Go provides greater access to drinking water for Illinois students and encourages them to choose water instead of sugary beverages like soda, juice and sports drinks. This will help Illinois parents, too, as they can trust their child will be well hydrated throughout the day when sent with a reusable water bottle. Illinois elementary, middle and high schools statewide selected for this program will have existing water fountains replaced with the new water bottle-filling stations. The schools will also receive toothbrushes and reusable water bottles for their students as part of the program. Tooth decay – though mostly preventable – is the leading chronic disease among children. This year, 62 percent of Illinois parents reported that their child currently has or has experienced a dental issue, the most common being cavities. Water consumption can help lessen tooth decay, but can also help reduce obesity, increase energy levels and improve students’ attention span and ability to learn. See a full list of Illinois schools selected for the H20 On the Go program here: www.deltadentalil.com/h2o-on-the-go-recipients.