Seventy Illinois schools will receive new water bottle-filling stations as part of the H2O On the Go grant program, an initiative 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. Additionally, students will receive toothbrushes and reusable water bottles. H2O On the Go provides greater access to fluoridated drinking water for Illinois students and encourages them to choose water instead of sugary beverages like soda, juice, and sports drinks. Drinking fluoridated water strengthens teeth and can reduce cavities by nearly 25 percent. According to Delta Dental of Illinois’ 2022 Children’s Oral Health Survey, 62 percent of Illinois parents reported that their child currently has or has experienced a dental issue, the most common being cavities. A recent study published by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that increasing water accessibility for children had a direct correlation with improved hydration and overall health. 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 reduce waste and promote conservation efforts. See a full list of Illinois schools selected for this year’s H2O On the Go program here: www.deltadentalil.com/h2o-on-the-go-recipients.