Introduced Version
House Concurrent Resolution 89 History
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Key: Green = existing Code. Red = new code to be enacted
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 89
(By Delegates Perdue, Hatfield, Lawrence, Manypenny, Moye, Perry,
D. Poling, Rodighiero, Staggers, Andes, Lane, C. Miller, J.
Miller, Rowan and Moore)
[Originating in the Committee on Health and Human Resources;
Reported April 8, 2009.]
Requesting the Committee on Government and Finance to conduct a
study on the status of oral health in West Virginia's rural
communities.
W
HEREAS
, Oral health and dental care in West Virginia is the
worst in the nation, resulting in needless pain and suffering; and
WHEREAS, According to 1995-1997 data published by the Center
for Disease Control and Prevention in 1999, West Virginia ranked
first among all the states in the percentage of people aged 65 and
older who had lost all of their natural teeth at 47.9%; and
WHEREAS, Prevention, education and regular care are essential
elements in oral health; and
WHEREAS, Only approximately one-half of all West Virginians
obtain regular dental care - among persons having a low income, the
proportion not receiving care is even higher; and
W
HEREAS
, In West Virginia, the dental decay index is fifty-nine
percent higher than the national average for school-aged children; and
WHEREAS, Poor oral health remains a neglected West Virginia
epidemic, especially in rural communities -- with 80% of dental
caries in children in West Virginia being concentrated in just 25%
of the child population; and
W
HEREAS
, Access to treatment remains a problem in many
locations in the state among both children and adults. For those
persons who are unable to afford dental care, who have limited or
no dental insurance, and who are often at highest risk of oral
diseases, there needs to be improved access to preventive and
treatment services and removal of barriers to the dental care
system; and
W
HEREAS
, More avenues of access for improved dental hygiene is
needed in West Virginia to assure our citizens adequate oral care;
therefore be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby
requested to study the status of oral health in West Virginia's
rural communities; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and
Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2010, on
its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts
of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations;
and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this
study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be
paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on
Government and Finance.
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