Last chance! Nominate your Champion of Health today!

Do you know a Champion? Champions of Health recognizes individuals and organizations working to improve the health of Oklahomans. Nominate your organization or others who are working to achieve this goal.  

Submit your nomination at championsofhealth.org. Nominations will be accepted through Friday, July 30.

The Champions of Health Awards are sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma, the Oklahoma State Department of Health, the Oklahoma Hospital Association, the Oklahoma Osteopathic Association, the Oklahoma State Medical Association and the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.

For information about nomination requirements and category descriptions, go to championsofhealth.org. For additional information or assistance, call (866) 876-4376.

I know a Champion. In which category should I nominate?

Entries will be accepted in each of the following five categories: Uninsured, Children’s Health, Community Health, Senior Health and Corporate Health.

Each Champions of Health nomination can only be submitted in one category. But how do you know which one is the best fit?  View brief descriptions of each nomination category online. 

What makes a strong nomination?

The strongest Champions of Health nominations follow the format recommendations, including complete descriptions of the individual or program, objectives, target audience and results, outcomes and achievements. In addition, the nomination entry emphasizes the program mission, execution, scope, importance, innovation, community partnerships and replicability. Champions of Health winners represent innovative ideas that can be replicated and modeled in the broader community. For more information, go to championsofhealth.org.

Who are the previous Champions of Health winners?

Since 2004, Champions of Health has shone a light on the lesser-known, grassroots efforts of individuals and organizations working to improve the health of Oklahomans. Curious to learn about past Champions of Health award winners? You can view photos and descriptions of our previous Champions online at championsofhealth.org.

Sponsorships available to the 2010 Champions of Health awards ceremony

Sponsorships of the Champions of Health awards ceremony benefit the Oklahoma Caring Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to providing low-income children with access to preventive health services. Through its flagship program, the Oklahoma Caring Van Program, the Foundation provides basic childhood immunizations, free of charge, to Oklahoma children from birth to age 18.

The Champions of Health awards ceremony is a prestigious event that draws hundreds of attendees each year. Sponsorships are available in five categories: platinum, gold, silver, bronze and patron. Learn more about sponsorships online or contact Ivy Lark at (918) 551-3397.

The seventh annual Champions of Health awards ceremony will take place in Oklahoma City this October. Watch the Champions of Health website and e-newsletter for an upcoming announcement regarding ceremony details and keynote speaker. 

Working with child care providers, schools and community organizations throughout the state, the Caring Van Program provides this immunizations to children without access to traditional health care providers. The Caring Vans eliminate barriers to care including transportation, cost and time. 

Due to the efforts of dedicated staff and committed funders, the Oklahoma Caring Van Program has delivered more than 152,000 vaccines to 70,000 underserved children statewide since 1999.  Improving health outcomes is the focus of van services, and the Caring Vans are a true public health endeavor: meeting families where they live and work.

Capitol Challenge Run/Walk set for Sept. 18 in Oklahoma City

The third annual Capitol Challenge run/walk fundraiser benefiting the Oklahoma Caring Foundation will be held on Saturday, Sept. 18 at the State Capitol. Check-in opens at 7:30 a.m. and events will begin at 8 a.m. Participants can choose between a 1 mile walk/run, 5K run and 10K run. Children (ages 8 years and under) also can participate in the children's dashes. Adult pre-registration is $25 ($15 without an event T-shirt), and the children’s dashes are $10. Participants can register the day of the event for $30. A limited edition  cotton or dri-fit T-shirt is available on a first come, first serve basis. Register online and view a map of the courses by visiting capitolchallenge.org.

For information on Champions of Health or to submit a story idea, e-mail Sarah_Gatlin@hcsc.net.
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Visit the Champions of Health Web site at championsofhealth.org.