TULSA, OK – [September 18, 2014] – The Tulsa County Wellness Partnership (TCWP), the Tobacco Free Coalition for Tulsa County, the Safe Communities Alliance, the Stop DUI Task Force and the Coalition Against Prescription and Substance Abuse of Tulsa (CAPSAT) announce that the application process for Certified Healthy Oklahoma programs is open. Businesses, communities, and places of worship and education that may qualify for certification are encouraged to apply for recognition in helping make Oklahoma a healthier place to live.
A crucial factor to improving the health of Oklahomans is providing a variety of opportunities for residents to make healthier choices where they live, work, learn and play. The Certified Healthy Oklahoma programs meet this challenge by recognizing communities, schools, businesses, campuses, early childhood programs, congregations and restaurants that encourage health-focused behaviors and policies.
“The Certified Healthy Oklahoma programs provide opportunities for Tulsa County’s businesses, restaurants, schools, communities, early childhood programs, congregations, and campuses to create environments that support health policies and individual health decisions that ultimately will improve Oklahoma’s health outcomes,” said Paula Warlick, chair of the Tobacco Free Coalition for Tulsa County. “We encourage potential applicants to consider what they are doing to make the healthy choice the easy choice for their employees, customers, students, and citizens, and to submit an application for Certified Healthy Oklahoma certification.”
Applications are now being accepted for the Certified Healthy Oklahoma’s seven categories of certification:
The Certified Healthy Business program recognizes workplaces that provide health and wellness opportunities for their employees.
The Certified Healthy Restaurant program recognizes restaurants that provide healthy food options to their customers.
The Certified Healthy School program recognizes schools that are teaching students and staff how to be healthy.
The Certified Healthy Early Childhood program recognizes early childhood programs that are providing a healthy environment for children and their families, as well as their staff.
The Certified Healthy Community program recognizes communities that offer citizens a healthy place to live, work, learn and play.
The Certified Healthy Congregation program recognized congregations of all faiths that provide health and wellness opportunities to their members and/or attendees and staff
The Certified Healthy Campus program recognizes colleges and career technology centers that provide a healthy environment for faculty and students.
Each program has three levels of certification: Basic, Merit and Excellence. Applications must be submitted by Nov. 1, 2014, for certification consideration. Award winners will be notified in December 2014 and acknowledged at an awards ceremony in Oklahoma City on Feb. 4, 2015.
The Certified Healthy Oklahoma programs are a joint effort of the Oklahoma State Department of Health, The State Chamber, The Oklahoma Academy, Oklahoma Turning Point Council, and other partners who are helping to shape a healthier future for Oklahoma. Last year, more than 750 applicants received certification.
Criteria details and application information for all Certified Healthy Oklahoma programs are now available on the Certified Healthy Oklahoma website at certifiedhealthyok.com. For local information or assistance with the application process, contact: Fauzia Khan at 918-595-4045.
Tulsa County Wellness Partnership
The Tulsa County Wellness Partnership is a sponsored group of the Family Health Coalition and a CX grantee of the Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust. TCWP is dedicated to changing policy and environments in Tulsa County to make healthy nutrition and fitness the easy choice in schools, workplaces and communities. TCWP advocates for policies and projects that promote healthy eating and active living. To learn more about local events or how to work toward a healthier school, workplace or community, please contact Daphne Gaulden at 918-595-4039 or dgaulden2@tulsa-health.org.
The Tobacco Free Coalition for Tulsa County
The Tobacco Free Coalition for Tulsa County is a Community of Excellence grantee of the Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET). The mission of the coalition is to empower and educate citizens and support policy change to ensure tobacco-free environments in Tulsa County.
The Safe Communities Alliance
The Safe Communities Alliance is a coalition / task force that is comprehensive and community-based with representation from citizens, law enforcement, public health, medical, injury prevention, education, business, civic and service groups, public works offices, and traffic safety advocates that provides program input, direction, and involvement in the Safe Community Program.
The Tulsa County DUI Task Force
The Tulsa County DUI Task Force represents a cross section of the community, including citizens, government officials, law enforcement, businesses, health professionals, and prevention and treatment specialists with the mission of promoting a healthier and safer environment for county residents by reducing the number of alcohol-related traffic crashes, injuries, and fatalities through public education, awareness, legislation, policies, and environmental and enforcement strategies.
Coalition Against Prescription and Substance Abuse of Tulsa (CAPSAT)
The Coalition Against Prescription and Substance Abuse of Tulsa brings diverse organizations / stakeholders and individuals together to change policies, systems, and environments for the prevention of substance abuse.
Turning Point
Turning Point is an initiative of Oklahoma State Department of Health to transform and strengthen the public health system by making it more community-based and collaborative. Turning Point was founded on the idea that diverse groups working together can better identify and influence the determinants of health.
