Guthrie awarded $37,000 Healthy Community incentive grant

OKLAHOMA CITY – TSET offers incentive grants to eligible communities that have met criteria established for the program such as tobacco-free policies, availability of fresh fruits and vegetables, and increasing opportunities for residents to become more physically active. 

To be eligible to apply communities must first have been recognized through the Certified Healthy Oklahoma program, a partnership between the Oklahoma Academy for State Goals, the Oklahoma Turning Point Council, the State Chamber and the Oklahoma State Department of Health.

The City of Guthrie was awarded a $37,000 incentive grant for achieving the Gold level for adopting policies and strategies that promote health and quality of life in their community. TSET’s incentive grant funding for communities is based on population size and the types of strategies implemented. Cities that have met TSET’s criteria and been awarded a grant are able to determine how the incentive funding will be used to promote health in their communities. Grant funds are frequently used to leverage other funds for community projects that advance health.

TSET officials made the announcement at the Chamber of Commerce Coffee on Wednesday morning inside BancFirst.

This is the third Healthy Community Incentive grant awarded to Guthrie. The $37,000 funding award in 2015 will used to update and meet safety requirements for the city pool, which is owned by the City of Guthrie and is managed by the YMCA. In 2012, they received $5,000 for the Bronze level and utilized the funding to enhance their community garden. In 2013, they received $8,000 for the Silver level and funding was used for bike racks in downtown Guthrie, as well as additional bike racks across the city.

Since the Healthy Communities Incentive Grant program began three years ago, $1.9 million in grant funds have been awarded to 50 communities.

“We are thrilled to offer incentives to cities and towns that have taken action to improve health in their communities,” said Tracey Strader, TSET executive director. “Working together we can make the healthy choice, the easy choice, where Oklahomans live, work, learn and play.”

What can we do to improve the health of our community?  Get involved! Eat Better, move more and be tobacco free! The Logan County Healthy Living Program is devoted to make Logan County a healthier, happier and over all better place to live, work, eat, learn, play and pray. Contact Courtney McLemore, Wellness Coordinator at (405) 282-3485 for more information on the Logan County TSET Healthy Living Program.