List date(s) this work was published or aired.
5-Sep-12
Provide a brief synopsis of the story or stories, including any significant findings.
Kristian Foden-Vencil covers health care for Oregon Public Broadcasting. He looks at state and local health care stories, with a focus on policy and health care costs. Foden-Vencil has a knack for humanizing complex stories. He received training as part of a partnership with OPB, National Public Radio and Kaiser Health News. NPR has picked up many of his stories for national air. Portland does not fluoridate its water. There has been strong opposition over the years to adding fluoride to the city’s drinking water, but this year, supporters argued that fluoridation was long overdue to help poor children, in particular, who might not have access to regular dental care. Opponents raised questions about health risks. Kristian Foden-Vencil spoke to scientists who conducted studies that were often cited in the heated debate.
Explain types of documents, data or Internet resources used. Were FOI or public records act requests required? How did this affect the work?
Scientific studies, health organizations that endorse fluoridation, online letter posted by Portland’s mayor, and for a history of fluoridation I turned to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial research.
Explain types of human sources used.
Fluoride opponents and supporters, fluoride researchers at Harvard School of Public Health, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, interview with CDC.
Results:
na
Follow-up (if any). Have you run a correction or clarification on the report or has anyone come forward to challenge its accuracy? If so, please explain.
NPR asked Kristian to do a version of this story and aired it on Sept. 12, 2012. City Council approved water fluoridation, but opponents have mounted a referral campaign to give city voters the final word. Mary Otto of The Association of Health Care Journalists asked me to write up an article on reporting this story.
Advice to other journalists planning a similar story or project.
The science surrounding fluoridation is extensive. Those who support fluoridation and its detractors throw so many facts and studies at journalists and members of the public that it’s extremely confusing. I decided to illustrate that battle over the truth by taking just one study and illustrating all the finger-pointing surrounding it.