Oklahoma Champions of Health Honored at 2011 Gala

Oklahoma Champions of Health Honored at 2011 Gala

With praise from former First Lady Laura Bush for their programs, seven new names were added to the list of nearly 100 Champions of Health award winners on Tuesday, Oct. 25 at the Tulsa Convention Center Ballroom.

The Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma's Food for Kids Backpack Program was named the recipient of the Dr. Rodney Huey Memorial Champion of Oklahoma Health award, the highest honor of the Champions of Health awards. 

Attendees heard from Oklahoma State Health Commissioner Dr. Terry Cline about the positive changes that are happening with Oklahoma's health statistics, thanks to efforts by groups like this year's award winners. Governor Mary Fallin also congratulated winners and introduced Mrs. Bush.

Six additional individuals and groups were recognized at the gala for their efforts to improve the health of Oklahomans. Miki Farris, Executive Director of Infant Crisis Services, Inc., was named the Champion of Children's Health. Shirley Harris, Executive Director of Dentists for the Disabled and Elderly in Need of Treatment, Inc. (D-DENT), was honored as the Champion of the Uninsured. The Champion of Senior Health award went to LIFE Senior Services. The TeleStroke Program at Sequoyah Memorial Hospital was named the Community Health Champion.

Two businesses were named Corporate Health Champions: Melton Truck Lines, Inc. and their iCare Program was recognized as the Large Business winner and Plan Benefit Analysts and their PBA Wellness program was recognized as the Small Business winner.

The Champions of Health Gala benefits the Oklahoma Caring Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, which provides Oklahoma children with free immunizations.

The Champions of Health awards program is presented by the Oklahoma Hospital Association, the Oklahoma Osteopathic Association, the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, the Oklahoma State Department of Health and the Oklahoma State Medical Association in partnership with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma.

For more information about the program, visit championsofhealth.org.

View photos from this year's event.