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Welcome to the Oklahoma State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP) Newsletter!
As the OK SHIP embarks on its Year 3 voyage in 2026, our workgroup crews continue to navigate with purpose – adjusting sails, strengthening partnerships, and steering toward improved health outcomes across Oklahoma. From January through April, each workgroup has made meaningful headway, sharing innovative programs, highlighting community-driven solutions, and building momentum across the priority areas including Cardiovascular Disease, Diabetes, Drivers of Health, Mental Health & Substance Misuse, and Obesity.
This edition of Ship Talk: Workgroup Insights brings you aboard to explore the latest progress – from expanding access to blood pressure monitoring and advancing rural health transformation efforts, to strengthening prevention initiatives and addressing social drivers of health. Each update reflects the collective commitment of partners working together to move the OK SHIP forward. Don’t forget to check out what’s On the SHIP Radar for upcoming events, meetings, and trainings. Thank you for being part of this journey – together, we’re charting a healthier course for all Oklahomans.
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SHIP TALK: WORKGROUP INSIGHTS |
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The OK SHIP Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Workgroup launched Year 3 with a January meeting that helped chart the course for continued progress. The community spotlight featured ABLE Tech, presented by Meg Busteed, highlighting statewide access to durable medical equipment to support Oklahoman's independence, mobility, and health. Partners shared a range of initiatives, including the Healthy Heart Ambassador Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program, a four-month lifestyle change program supporting adults with hypertension through home monitoring, nutrition education, and regular facilitator check-ins, with enrollment now open across multiple counties. Partners also shared updates from Activate Oklahoma, which is gathering input on how residents engage with active lifestyle resources through a TSET-supported survey initiative. The American Heart Association highlighted expanded access to blood pressure devices in Tulsa County to support community blood pressure stations, and self-measured blood pressure programs. |
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The OK SHIP Diabetes Workgroup set sail into Year 3. Although their scheduled community highlight, Diabetes and Wound Care speaker was unable to attend, members pivoted to discuss what they hope to gain from future SHIP voyages. Updates were shared on the Rural Health Transformation Program, encouraging partners to stay informed about new funding opportunities and initiatives from the program via the RHTP website. Partners were also pointed toward upcoming Diabetes Awareness Day at the Oklahoma State Capitol, continuing momentum toward connection, education, and awareness. With steady winds and shared direction, the Diabetes Workgroup continues to keep the OK SHIP moving forward in Year 3. |
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The OK SHIP Drivers of Health (DoH) Workgroup partner spotlights featured Goodr, presented by Kristen Ward, highlighting innovative approaches focused on food waste and hunger relief solutions. Updates on the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), were presented by Rachel Baugh, announcing secured funding of $223.5 million for the first year of a five-year grant through the RHTP to provide unprecedented resources to strengthen healthcare delivery and drive better outcomes for rural communities across Oklahoma. Members shared key announcements, including SDoH Facilitators Sub-Committee meetings and the Oklahoma Family Support Network, helping keep all hands on deck. The group continues charting coordinated action through the OK SHIP DoH Workgroup, ensuring steady progress. The next meeting is June 10th at 9:00 a.m., with opportunities for partners to sign up for Community Spotlights and stay engaged in the voyage ahead. |
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The OK SHIP Mental Health & Substance Misuse Workgroup set sail in Year 3 on March 11, 2026, to spotlight Muskogee County's Safe Storage Saves Lives initiative, emphasizing gun safety, Project Child's Safe Pledges, Faith & Blue, community partnerships, and collaboration with law enforcement to distribute safety resources. The group also heard updates on Oklahoma's opioid settlement and abatement strategies through the Healthy Minds Initiative, alongside resources for statewide prevention and recovery efforts. DCCA Oklahoma showcased expanded training supports including Mental Health First Aid, First Responder training, CPR certification, Naloxone, CALM, QPR, and Handle with Care training. Partners shared additional resources ranging from Take Back Day efforts to AED access initiatives and statewide dashboards tracking mental health and substance misuse trends. Like a steady ship navigating changing waters, the workgroup continues charting coordinated, prevention-focused strategies. The next meeting is July 8, 2026. |
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The OK SHIP Obesity Workgroup met on April 15, 2026 to discuss ongoing efforts to support healthier lifestyles across Oklahoma. Members heard from spotlight speaker Mitch Drummond, who shared how Activate Oklahoma is helping remove barriers to physical activity through inclusive, family-friendly programs and community partnerships. The group highlighted low-cost fitness initiatives and specialized "Breaking Barriers" training programs designed to support both community members and veterans in building sustainable healthy habits. Workgroup members also reviewed progress on the State Obesity Plan. The meeting reinforced the importance of collaboration, accessibility, and community engagement in improving health outcomes for Oklahoma adults and older adults. |
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The OK SHIP is proud to highlight the incredible work of our partners across Oklahoma who are making a difference in public health. From local initiatives to statewide programs, these spotlights showcase innovation, collaboration, and impact. Be sure to check out upcoming events, trainings, and opportunities to connect and learn. |
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OK Facilitators for Socio-Ecological Drivers of Health (SDoH)
A statewide monthly planning call to increase public-private interagency collaboration around peer support groups to address SDoH.
The next meeting is Wednesday, June 10, 2026 10:30 a.m.
Calendar Invite to Monthly SDoH Meetings
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Activate Oklahoma: Breaking Barriers to a Healthy Lifestyle
Take a Quick Survey
The Activate Oklahoma team is working hard to expand and strengthen programs that support healthier lifestyles across communities statewide - and they want to hear from you! Your feedback will help identify barriers, improve resources, and shape future programs that better meet the needs of Oklahomans.
Community voices matter, and your experience can make a real impact. Take a few moments to complete one or more surveys and help guide the future of health and wellness initiatives across Oklahoma.
As a thank you for participating, each completed survey earns an entry into their monthly raffle for a $50 gift card!
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The OK SHIP data collection period is officially open for the following workgroups: Cardiovascular Disease, Diabetes, Drivers of Health, and Mental Health & Substance Misuse. Partners and stakeholders are encouraged to submit the data related to the strategies and measures outlined in each workgroup's plan. The reporting period covers activities and outcomes from October 1, 2025, through March 31, 2026, and submissions will be accepted through June 12, 2026. Your input is vital in helping us track progress and drive informed decision-making across Oklahoma's public health priorities. |
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 Meet Lainie Carter!
Lainie joined the Transformation Management Team at the Oklahoma State Department of Health in April 2026 as the Accreditation and Strategic Planning Coordinator. In this role, she supports the coordination and advancement of OK SHIP efforts, helping partners stay aligned and moving toward shared goals.
Lainie is excited to connect with partners across the state and serve as a resource for collaboration, questions, and strategic planning support. As she steps into this role, she looks forward to building strong relationships and contributing to the continued momentum of OK SHIP.
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Have questions or want to connect? Reach out anytime at Lainie.Carter@health.ok.gov. |
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Interested in Getting Involved?
To participate in an OK SHIP workgroup meeting or to learn more about current initiatives, please complete and submit the interest form here. We welcome your engagement and look forward to collaborating with you.
2026 Workgroup Meeting Schedule
- June 10, 2026 | Drivers of Health Workgroup
- July 8, 2026 | Mental Health & Substance Misuse Workgroup
- August 12, 2026 | Diabetes Workgroup
- September 9, 2026 | Cardiovascular Workgroup
- October 14, 2026 | Drivers of Health Workgroup
- November 4, 2026 | Mental Health & Substance Misuse Workgroup
- December 9, 2026 | Diabetes Workgroup
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