Recently, the American Heart Association received a $50,000 grant from Voices for Healthy Kids to work on local and state policies through July 2021 that would increase water bottle filling stations in schools in Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee. Here's some background on the issue and an invitation to advocate with us
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The Issue
Water plays an important role in maintaining a child’s overall health, such as regulating temperature, protecting sensitive tissues, transporting nutrients, and ridding the body of wastes. Drinking sufficient amounts of water can have many health benefits, such as reduced dental cavities and maintaining a healthy weight. Yet, most children and adolescents do not consume enough water.
States can improve drinking water availability to ensure that all kids, no matter where they live, have access to free, clean drinking water in school. Studies show when water bottle filling stations are installed in schools, students nearly triple how much water they drink at lunch time. Plus, the likelihood of kids in those same schools being at an unhealthy weight is greatly reduced.
Drinking enough water may also improve a child’s performance in school and has been shown to help with reasoning skills and short-term memory. It also can help with visual attention and fine motor skills, making it easier for children to learn what they are reading.
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the CDC now encourages staff and students to bring their own water to minimize use and touching of water fountains. Water bottle filling stations and personal water bottles may help reduce the spread of germs and disease.
The Association Advocates
The American Heart Association (AHA) supports enacting policies that ensure all newly constructed schools and schools undergoing major renovations install water bottle filling stations as well as allow students to carry water bottle to schools.
Pledge to Join Our Efforts
You're the Cure advocates are crucial to our efforts to pass public policies. Your stories as parents, grandparents, school administrators, students, and concerned citizens are important. Pledge to advocate with us in support of increasing water bottle filling stations in schools. Simply click on your state's name to sign the pledge today! We'll send you timely You're the Cure alerts, providing you with updates on this effort in your area and simple ways to advocate alongside us.
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