A Note from the TSET Executive Director

Last week a colleague of mine closed a presentation with the African proverb: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”  It is my hope that this newsletter will be a place to showcase the many ways we “go together” to accomplish our vision of improving the health of every Oklahoman. Welcome to the first edition of the TSET newsletter. We’re pleased to highlight a few of our grantees and partners who are making great strides in creating opportunities for healthy living.

For the past 12 years, The TSET board of directors has strategically focused on reducing our leading causes of death, cancer and cardiovascular disease. Addressing our health behaviors – tobacco use, physical inactivity and poor nutrition – provides the best opportunity to prevent and reduce cancer and cardiovascular disease in our state.

Through community-based and statewide grants, research grants, public education campaigns, and partnerships across the state, we work to encourage Oklahomans to eat better, move more, and be tobacco-free. We do this work where we live, work, learn, and play.

We are excited to share the progress, and the creative approaches so many passionate people throughout Oklahoma are taking to improve life for themselves and their fellow Oklahomans. Thank you for joining us as we “go together” to create a Better Lives through Better Health.

Tracey Strader, Executive Director

Key Outcomes

Read about TSET’s work in research in our latest annual report:

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Oklahoma Hospital Association recieves national award

An Oklahoma Hospital Association (OHA) initiative, WorkHealthy Hospitals, recently received the National Strategic Alliance – Prevention Excellence Award from Prevention Partners at the organization’s national meeting in Chapel Hill, N.C.   OHA received the award for engaging 35 Oklahoma hospitals in a comprehensive approach to support their employees in health improvement. The participation rate far surpassed its first-year goal of 26 hospitals.

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Healthy Schools Incentive Grant creates options for year-round physical activity for Olustee students

Students at Olustee Public Schools have more ways to be physically active thanks to an $1,000 dollar grant from the TSET. The grant program gave the school funds to purchase gym scooters, four square balls, basketballs, and a parachute. Olustee schools were Certified Healthy in 2013 and received a TSET Healthy Schools Incentive Grant.

“Physical activity is important because it gives them a chance to burn more energy before they get to class. This has shown an improvement academically,” states Melvin Hazel, Olustee Elementary School principal. “It is important for them to learn to have a healthy lifestyle, and physical activity makes them feel good.”

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Apply to be Certified Healthy Today!

The application period for Certified Healthy Oklahoma programs is now open. The program, administered by the Oklahoma State Department of Health, recognizes businesses, communities, and other entities that are helping to create healthy opportunities. This year there are seven categories for the annual certification.

Communities and schools designated as Certified Healthy in 2014 may be eligible to apply for a TSET Healthy Incentive Grant in 2015.

Certified Healthy Oklahoma applications must be submitted by Nov. 1, 2014. To learn more about Certified Healthy Oklahoma visit their new website. 

TSET Health Communication Recieves 5 Bronze Quill Awards

The Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) recently received five Bronze Quill awards from the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Central Oklahoma Chapter. Additionally, Sjonna Paulson, TSET director of health communication, was named the 2014 IABC Central Oklahoma Communicator of the Year.

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Centers for Disease Control Tips Campaign Continues

Continuing the success of a landmark national tobacco education campaign launched in 2012, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is airing a second series of ads in 2014 featuring real people who are living with the effects of smoking-related diseases.

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