For Release:  Aug. 1, 2012 - Pamela Williams, Office of Communications - (405) 271-5601

Application Period Open for Certified Healthy Oklahoma Programs

A crucial factor to improving the health of Oklahomans is providing a myriad of opportunities for the state’s residents to make healthier choices where they live, work, learn and play. The Certified Healthy Oklahoma programs help meet this challenge by recognizing those communities, schools, businesses, campuses and restaurants that encourage health-focused behaviors and policies.

Applications are now being accepted for the Certified Healthy Oklahoma’s five 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 Community program recognizes communities that offer citizens a healthy place to live, work, learn and play.
• 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, 2012, for certification consideration.  Award winners will be notified in December 2012 and acknowledged at an awards ceremony in Oklahoma City on Feb. 28, 2013.

“The Certified Healthy Oklahoma programs provide opportunities for Oklahoma’s businesses, restaurants, schools, communities, and campuses to create an environment that support health policies and individual health decisions that ultimately will improve our state’s health outcomes,” said State Health Commissioner Dr. Terry Cline. “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 submit an application for Certified Healthy Oklahoma certification.”

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 numerous other partners who are helping to shape a healthier future for Oklahoma. Last year, more than 480 applicants received certification.

Criteria details and application information for all Certified Healthy Oklahoma programs are now available on the Oklahoma Turning Point Council website at www.okturningpoint.org.

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