The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) has announced awardees for Certified Healthy Oklahoma, a public health initiative recognizing organizations that implement best practices and policies that support improved health and wellness.

Certified Healthy Oklahoma – a collaborative effort of OSDH, The Oklahoma Academy, Oklahoma Turning Point Council and the State Chamber of Oklahoma – offers certifications in six categories: Business, Campus, Community, Congregation, Early Childhood Program and School.

More than 1,900 Certified Health Oklahoma applications were received statewide for 2024.

Applications for 2025 open Aug. 1 and close Nov. 1. Applicants can apply online by visiting Oklahoma.gov/CertifiedHealthy.

“Organizations and individuals earning a Certified Healthy Oklahoma certification at any level should take pride in their accomplishment and be celebrated for their leadership in promoting health,” said Commissioner of Health Keith Reed. “These champions of health are helping pave the way to an elevated quality of life for all Oklahomans.”

Applicants received a comprehensive assessment to gauge how effectively they support health, focusing on strategies that address physical activity, nutrition, tobacco use and mental health. There are three levels of certification: Excellence, Merit and Basic.

Visit oklahoma. gov/certifiedhealthy/ past-winners to view the 2024 Certified Healthy Oklahoma awardees list.

Certified Healthy Oklahoma awardees for Okmulgee County include the following businesses, programs and schools:

Businesses Excellence

• East Central Oklahoma Family Health Center – Henryetta

• East Central Oklahoma Family Health Center – Henryetta Behavioral Health

• Okmulgee County Health Department — Merit

• CREOKS Behavioral Health Services – Okmulgee • Deep Fork Community Action Foundation, Inc.

— Early Childhood Programs Excellence

• Henryetta Head Start

• OSUIT Child Care Center

• UCAP Okmulgee Head Start & Early Head Start — Merit

• Home Away From Home Childcare Center LLC

• Muscogee Creek Nation CDC — Schools

Excellence

• Morris Elementary

• Morris Public Schools

• Twin Hills Public Schools — Basic

• Dewar Public Schools – Awardees will receive formal recognition for their work.

The Okmulgee County Health Department protects and improves public health through local health and wellness services and strategies focused on preventing disease. Learn more at www.Oklahoma.gov/ health/Okmulgee.