Park Hills recognized for its water system
Mayor Stacey Easter, center, accepts an award on behalf of the City of Park Hills Water Department from Dr. Jacqueline Miller, the Missouri State dental director, and Gweneth Sullentrup, Community Water Fluoridation and Dental Sealant coordinator at MDHSS. (Submitted photo)
Fluoridation lauded for dental health among residents
Jeannie Barton-Northrup, jnorthrup@dailyjournalonline.com
Earlier this month, Park Hills was recognized by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (MDHSS) for 50 years of dedication to adding fluoridation to the city’s water system. The City of Park Hills website says its “commitment to maintaining optimal fluoride levels in its water system aligns with the broader public health goals of promoting strong and healthy teeth.”
On Aug. 8, Park Hills Mayor Stacey Easter accepted an award on behalf of the City of Park Hills Water Department from Missouri State Dental Director Dr. Jacqueline Miller and Community Water Fluoridation and Dental Sealant Coordinator Gweneth Sullentrup at MDHSS.
“Fluoridation, a cornerstone of dental health, has been a vital part of Park Hills’ water system for half a century. This remarkable achievement demonstrates the city’s unwavering dedication to ensuring the well-being of its residents, contributing to improved oral health for generations,” reads the city’s website. “The recognition from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services underscores Park Hills’ exceptional efforts in promoting and maintaining the health of its community members.”
Park Hills is currently working to update the city’s water facilities, including adding supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) technology.
In the July work session, Brian Cochran with Cochran Engineering provided updates on the phases of completed construction with pumps and facility structures. Cochran then spoke about the upcoming stages.
The current cost of water to Park Hills residents is a minimum of $12.50 for a residential meter and $4.02 for each additional 1,000 gallons used.
This 50-year achievement award was presented to the Park Hills Water Department. (Submitted photo)
About the award, the city’s website reads, “MDHSS, a leading state agency responsible for safeguarding public health and well-being, has recognized the City of Park Hills’ long-standing commitment to fluoridation as a significant contribution to the overall health of its residents. This recognition reflects MDHSS’s appreciation for Park Hills’ dedication to evidence-based public health practices that benefit individuals of all ages, particularly senior citizens who often rely on such initiatives for their well-being.”
The MDHSS says it “serves the citizens of Missouri by working to improve the health and quality of life for Missourians of all ages. Many factors influence health status: individual genetics and behaviors, social environment, physical environment, policies and interventions, and access to quality care and services.
“By providing information and education; effective regulation and oversight; quality services and surveillance of diseases and conditions, the department seeks to address these factors and fulfill its vision of healthy Missourians for life.”
David Pizarro is the director of the city utilities department, which includes water and wastewater. Residents can contact the utilities department at 573-431-2280 or at utilitiesdirector@parkhillsmo.net.
If an emergency occurs after business hours, on weekends, or during holidays, call 573-431-3131.
Cool. Now fix the online water payments that has been offline for almost 2 weeks.