Nine local entities earn ‘Certified Healthy’ status

Mason school district, Paden schools, county health department, Town of Boley awarded for excellence

Almost ten Okfuskee County entities were recently awarded ‘Certified Healthy’ status for 2018, according to a media release sent out by the Okfuskee County Health Department.

“‘Certified Healthy Oklahoma’ is a free, statewide certification that recognizes entities going above and beyond to make health and wellness a priority for all,” the news release states. “The program is open to businesses, campuses, communities, congregations, early childhood programs, restaurants and schools.”

There are three levels of certification, based on criteria fulfilled in the program: Basic, Merit and Excellence.

Okfuskee County Certified Healthy Businesses are Mason Public Schools Administration Office and Okfuskee County Health Department, both in Excellence, and CREOKS Health Services – Okemah, Okfuskee County OSU Extension Office and Paden Public Schools Administration Office, all in Merit.

Only the Town of Boley was recognized as a Certified Healthy Community, achieving Excellence status.

Certified Healthy Schools are Mason Public Schools, Paden Elementary School and Paden High School, all in Excellence.

“A crucial factor in improving the health of Oklahomans is providing a variety of opportunities for residents to make healthier choices where they live, work, learn play and pray,” the release states. “Certified Healthy Oklahoma meets this challenge by recognizing a wide variety of entities which encourage health-focused behaviors and policies.”

Regional Director Brenda Potts said, “These certifications provide opportunities for Okfuskee County create environments which support health policies and individual health decisions which ultimately improve Oklahoma’s health outcomes.”

“We applaud all ‘Certified Healthy Oklahoma’ recipients for making the health choice the easy choice and for helping to create a culture of wellness in their communities,” she added.

The aforementioned award winners will all be acknowledged at a ceremony and luncheon at the Embassy Suites in Norman in March.

Joint partners in the ‘Certified Healthy Oklahoma’ program are the Oklahoma State Department of Health, the State Chamber, Oklahoma Academy, the Oklahoma Turning Point Council, as well as additional partners, “helping to shape a healthier future for Oklahoma,” according to the recent news release.