Application period open for Certified Healthy Oklahoma programs

The Logan County Health Department has announced the application process for Certified Healthy Oklahoma programs is open. Businesses, communities, schools and places of worship 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 Logan 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 Jay Smith, Logan County Health Department Administrator. “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 recognizes 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 1,100 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 more information, contact Courtney McLemore with the Logan County Health Department at 405-282-3485 or CourtneyT@health.ok.gov.