The 2026 winners were recognized at the 23nd annual Champions of Health awards for their efforts to improve the health of Oklahomans.
2026 Champions of Health Winners
Dr. Rodney L. Huey Memorial Champion of Oklahoma Health — Overall Winner
Winner: Neighbors Along the Line
For nearly 50 years, Neighbors Along the Line has served northwest Tulsa's most vulnerable neighbors through three integrated programs: a food pantry providing groceries to families facing hunger, a free medical clinic offering dignified care to the uninsured in partnership with Ascension St. John and OSU Center for Health Sciences, and a GED/HiSET program helping adults complete their education. Housed under one roof, these programs let a single visit meet multiple needs — because real health depends on food security, education, and community, and neighbors shouldn't have to choose between them.
Champion of Children's Health
Winner: Higher Dimensions Youth Athletic Project
The Higher Dimensions Youth Athletic Foundation provides a safe haven for at-risk youth, ages 5 to 18 in the high-poverty 73119 zip code of Southwest Oklahoma City. Through training in competitive boxing and Olympic Weightlifting, the program also builds discipline, self-confidence, resilience, social skills, anger management skills and character in young people facing poverty, violence, and family trauma. Serving the local community for 10 years, the gym has helped their youth overcome substance abuse, reduce anger and aggression, and avoid juvenile justice involvement. A few long-term members have even become assistant coaches, giving back to the next generation.The program transforms young lives by offering structure, mentorship, and purpose in a supportive athletic environment. A licensed counselor with the organization is on-site as well. Jeffrey Beed (founder), Genesis Esparza and Ruben Marroquin are the USA boxing licensed coaches and mentors at the facility.
Champion of Community Health
Winner: Restore OKC (Restore Health Program)
RestoreOKC is an asset-based community development ministry that is focused on rebuilding the systems that shape life in Northeast Oklahoma City. Working alongside neighbors, we align health, education, residential housing, and economic opportunities that create lasting pathways out of generational poverty. The Restore Health arm focuses on resource and food access and education to address holistic well-being in our community.
Champion of Senior Health
Winner: Edmond Mobile Meals
Edmond Mobile Meals is a vital lifeline for homebound seniors, providing far more than a meal. As the senior population continues to grow and nearly 10 million older adults nationwide face food insecurity each year, the program ensures that no senior in Edmond goes hungry by providing immediate service without a waiting list. Each weekday, Edmond Mobile Meals prepares and delivers over 300 nutritious, dietitian-supported to homebound elderly and disabled residents, accompanied by a friendly visit and wellness check from caring volunteers. For many clients, this meal is their primary source of daily nutrition, and the volunteer at their door may be their only personal interaction that day. By addressing both hunger and social isolation, Edmond Mobile Meals helps reduce the risk of malnutrition, chronic disease, depression, and preventable hospitalizations while promoting emotional well-being. The program enables older adults to remain safely and independently in their own homes, delaying or preventing costly long-term care placement. By preserving dignity, independence, and quality of life, Edmond Mobile Meals strengthens the health of the senior community while ensuring that Edmond's most vulnerable residents can age in place with the nourishment, connection, and respect they deserve.
Champion of the Uninsured
Winner: Ministries of Jesus
Ministries of Jesus (MOJ) is a nonprofit healthcare organization that provides free, comprehensive medical, dental, vision, mental health, and social services to uninsured adults in Central Oklahoma living at or below 300% of the federal poverty level. Since 2001, MOJ has removed financial barriers to care through an integrated model that combines primary healthcare, specialty referrals, counseling, chronic disease management, and supportive social services. By addressing both immediate health needs and underlying factors that affect well-being, MOJ helps patients improve their health, avoid preventable emergency room visits, and achieve greater stability and self-sufficiency. Through this holistic approach, MOJ restores dignity, hope, and access to essential care for individuals who might otherwise go without treatment. To date, the organization has provided more than $36.5 million in free healthcare services, with over 83% of patients reporting improved health outcomes.
The Champions of Health Awards is presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma, in partnership with Care Providers Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Association of Optometric Physicians, the Oklahoma Dental Association, the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, the Oklahoma Foundation for Medical Quality, the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, the Oklahoma Hospital Association, the Oklahoma Osteopathic Association, the Oklahoma Primary Care Association, the Oklahoma State Department of Health and the Oklahoma State Medical Association.