For Release: April 18, 2011 – Contact Leslea Bennett-Webb, (405) 271-5601

OPHA Annual Conference to Focus on Healthy Communities & Schools
Oklahoma Public Health Association to Meet April 20-21 in Norman

Public health practitioners from throughout the state will gather for the Oklahoma Public Health Association’s (OPHA) 72nd annual conference this Wednesday and Thursday, April 20-21, at the Embassy Suites Conference Center in Norman.

Founded in 1939, OPHA is an affiliate of the American Public Health Association and provides a forum for the professional enrichment of more than 1,000 public health professionals.

This year’s conference, “Follow the Yellow Brick Road to Healthy Communities and Schools,” features nationally recognized experts who will offer bold action steps to assist Oklahomans in improving their communities and schools.

“This is an excellent opportunity for Oklahoma’s public health professionals to benefit from the shared experience of hearing the latest information about wellness promotion and establishing healthy, safe and supportive environments in our schools and communities,” said OPHA President Tina Johnson.

Among the speakers scheduled are the following:

Wednesday, April 20, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Healthy Communities are Hopeful and Healing Communities
Dr. George E. Young, Sr, Pastor, Holy Temple Baptist Church; Commissioner, Oklahoma Commission for Human Services

Moving to a Society That Values Prevention: Opportunities in Health Reform
Jeffery Levi, PhD, Executive Director, Trust for America’s Health
                               
Toward Health Equity: A Framework to Improve Health & Safety
Larry Cohen, MSW, Director, Prevention Institute

Thursday, April 21, 9 am – Noon
Shaping Public Health Policy
Lloyd Kolbe, PhD, Professor Emeritus, Indiana University

Healthy People 2020 for Dummies: How to Access a Monster
Carter Blakey, US Dept. of Health & Human Services

What Kids Want Adults to Know
Lucy Greenwalt, Payton Samar Guilford, Xavier Wilson

An assortment of breakout sessions will also be offered. For more information, visit www.opha.net.

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