Durant, OK – On February 28, 2013 the Medical Center of Southeastern Oklahoma was a recipient of a Certified Healthy Oklahoma award. As part of an effort to create healthy places in Oklahoma to live, work, learn and play, the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH), along with the Oklahoma Academy, The State Chamber, and the Oklahoma Turning Point Council announced the annual award winners for the state Certified Healthy Oklahoma programs. This year, 979 applications were submitted from groups throughout the state, and 755 award winners received the “Certified Healthy” status in the categories of Certified Healthy Businesses, Certified Healthy Restaurants, Certified Healthy Schools, Certified Healthy Campuses, and Certified Healthy Communities. An awards ceremony honoring the winners was held on February 28, 2013 at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City. For the list of award winners, visit the OSDH website at www.ok.gov/health/CertifiedHealthyOklahoma.

“The Certified Healthy Oklahoma programs are an exciting way to expand the ‘Shape Your Future’ health initiative that challenges Oklahomans to eat better, move more and be tobacco free,” said State Health Commissioner Dr. Terry Cline. “Through the ‘Certified Healthy’ programs, Oklahomans are creating an environment where the healthy choice is the easy choice. The increasing number of applicants every year speaks loudly about the commitment of these entities to improve the health of people in our state,” he said.

The Oklahoma Certified Healthy Business Program recognizes Oklahoma businesses that provide health and wellness opportunities and are working to improve the health status of Oklahomans. To be certified, businesses must meet specific criteria, including providing employee health screenings, workplace health and nutrition education, opportunities for physical exercise activities, management support for healthy workplace environments, tobacco use prevention activities, and sharing wellness activities within their respective communities.

For more information about any of the Certified Healthy Oklahoma programs, contact Victoria Gaddis, OSDH Community Development Services, (405) 271-9444, ext. 56433, or email Victoriag@health.ok.gov.