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Nominate a 2006 'Champion of Health'

Oklahoma's health status faces significant challenges and has not improved compared to the nation's health.1 The state is 48th in the nation for its childhood immunization rate and ranks 49th in the nation for the rate of death from cardiovascular disease.2

But there are leaders within the state working to change those statistics. The ‘Champions of Health’ awards recognize those individuals and organizations working to improve our state’s health.  The 2006 Champions of Health awards program seeks nominations to find those who are making a significant difference in the health of Oklahomans.

Winners in each of 10 categories will be presented an award and a $1,000 contribution to their organization or program. Winners will be honored Monday, Oct. 30, during the 2006 Champions of Health awards banquet at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. The event features the University of Oklahoma women’s head basketball coach, Sherri Coale as emcee and keynote speaker, Dr. Louis Sullivan, former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services.

The ten categories for the Champions of Health awards are: Champion of the Uninsured, Education and Awareness Champion, Champion of Children’s Health, Champion of Public Health, Minority Health Champion, Professional Health Care Champion, Public Service Health Champion, Champion of Senior Health, Health and Medical Media Champion and Corporate Health Champion. In addition to these categories, one overall “Champion of Oklahoma Health” award will be presented to the entry judged to be the most unique and effective approach for improving Oklahoma’s health. 

Champions of Health is sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma, the Oklahoma State Department of Health, the Oklahoma Hospital Association, the Oklahoma Osteopathic Association and the Oklahoma State Medical Association.

“Oklahoma’s current health status can be turned around,” said Wyndham Kidd, president, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma. “We will continue to seek out those individuals and institutions who can truly make an impact as outstanding examples of health champions.”

Nominations will be accepted through Aug. 18. Download a nomation form.  [File: 120 KB] Nomination forms are also available by calling 1-866-876-4376.

 

1 Oklahoma State Board of Health / 2006 State of the State's Health report 
2 United Health Foundation, America's Health Rankings, 2005 edition