Claremore Daily Progress

Health

August 8, 2011

New certified Healthy Oklahoma programs

Staff Reports Claremore Progress

CLAREMORE — The Rogers County Health Department is urging local schools and communities to take advantage of two new programs designed to improve the health of Rogers County residents. 

The Certified Healthy Schools and Certified Healthy Communities programs, launched recently by the Oklahoma State Department of Health, will provide opportunities for schools and communities to achieve certification in activities they provide to improve health.

The programs expand on the model set by the statewide Certified Healthy Businesses initiative, which recognizes workplaces that provide healthy living options for their employees. Several businesses in Rogers County have received certification to become a Certified Healthy Business.

“We hope schools and communities will take advantage of this opportunity to be a major partner in this ‘Shape Your Future’ effort to improve the health of Rogers County residents,” said Rogers County Health Department Administrative Director Mary Beth Murray.

Application criteria for schools seeking to become a Certified Healthy School include demonstrating the availability of health education, physical education, health services, nutrition services, counseling, psychological and social services, healthy and safe school environment, health promotion for staff, and community involvement being offered at a school site.

Application criteria for communities seeking to become a Certified Healthy Community include addressing such issues as tobacco and alcohol use prevention, improving nutrition and physical activity, addressing built environments and transportation, health services, and community education offered within a community site.

Criteria details and application information for both Certified Healthy Schools and Certified Healthy Communities are available at www.okturningpoint.org. Each program has three levels of certification: Basic, Merit and Excellence. Applications must be submitted by Nov. 1 for certification consideration and recognition at a special ceremony scheduled in Oklahoma City in March 2012.

For more information about any of the Certified Healthy Oklahoma programs, contact the Rogers County Health Department at (918) 341-3166, or contact Whitney Kemp, Oklahoma State Department of Health, (405) 271-9444, ext. 56433.

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