Julie Bisbee: TSET's proven programs make shifts to healthier lifestyle easier

For too many people, the idea of changing or improving their health seems out of reach. We get used to hearing that Oklahoma is at the bottom for health rankings, and changing that seems untenable. At TSET, our proven programs and grants work to remove barriers and create and support environments that make it easier to make those shifts toward a healthier lifestyle.

I am honored to serve as the new executive director of TSET – because our work makes a difference. Whether it’s programs that get more doctors to rural areas or community-based grants that support local change to create a healthier environment, our work is saving lives and saving dollars.

I believe in the potential of Oklahomans and TSET provides the resources and support for behavior change like quitting smoking or increasing physical activity that at the end of the day translates to improved quality of life and a healthier Oklahoma.

TSET’s grants, programs and leadership improve the lives of Oklahomans. We see it not only in programmatic outcomes, but we hear it when we visit with Oklahomans that have been impacted by our work. Former smokers who quit using the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline, a busy family that’s incorporating more physical activity and fruits and vegetables into their day to help their children have healthier habits or a family who is celebrating another holiday with a loved one who received cancer treatment at the Stephenson Cancer Center. We are also seeing changes in communities that are adding sidewalks and trails to help citizens be active or businesses that adopt tobacco free policies and see worker productivity improve.

Throughout my career, I have prided myself on serving the greater good. I started my career as a journalist, parlayed that into advocacy for children at the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy and joined TSET as the Public Information Officer in 2012. It was my job to not only understand our grants and programs, but to communicate that impact to partners, policymakers, lawmakers and the public while maintaining transparency and accountability. I will continue to uphold those same values in this new leadership role.

What we have with TSET is a model for the nation and I’m looking forward to the progress we will accomplish together.

Check out this video to learn more about TSET's new Executive Director. 

Pictured above: TSET Board Chairman Bruce Benjamin, Ph.D.; Board members Ken Rowe and Casey Killblane; Executive Director Julie Bisbee; Board Vice-Chair Michelle Stephens and Board member Don Millican

TSET Board of Directors awards Healthy Incentive Program grants to communities and schools

The TSET Board of Directors approved 11 incentive grants for communities and schools through the TSET Healthy Incentive Program at its meeting in March. Grants are awarded to communities and schools that have implemented key strategies aimed at creating an environment that encourages Oklahomans to eat better, move more and be tobacco free. Funds for the TSET Healthy Incentive Program are limited and all available funds have been exhausted for this fiscal year. Grant applications will not be accepted for the remainder of this fiscal year, which ends June 30. The grant program is expected to re-open for the next fiscal year. In total, the TSET Board of Directors has awarded grants to 54 school districts and school sites and 33 communities. Over $1.9 million in grants have been provided to promote partnerships at the local level to improve health and promote healthy behaviors in schools and communities. For a full list of the 11 grants awarded at the March board meeting, click here.

Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline exceeds national benchmarks

A recent independent evaluation was conducted on services provided by the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline and it indicated that the program is excelling at providing aid to Oklahomans wishing to quit smoking with a satisfaction rate of nearly 95 percent. The Helpline is working to provide care and coverage in highly rural areas of the state. In order to achieve this goal, the Helpline has expanded the scope of services by allowing any registered user, regardless of insurance status, to receive a 2-week nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) starter kit along with their chosen combination of services, which include phone, text and email support. In addition, 31.2 percent of Helpline registrants reported continuing not to smoke as of the 7 month follow-up, exceeding the North American Quitline Consortium benchmark for quit rates of 30 percent. In 2016, the Helpline expanded its services to continue to meet the growing need of users. Now callers have the option of choosing traditional telephone counseling, text message or email support as well as web-based assistance and a Quit Guide or a combination of services.

School districts and sites honored for efforts to improve health

More than 20 school districts and one school site were honored recently for efforts to promote health and wellness for students and staff through the TSET Healthy Incentive Program for Schools

• Ben Franklin Science Academy was awarded a $7,000 grant and has chosen to use the grant funds to purchase kinesthetic classroom equipment. 
• Bluejacket Public Schools was awarded a $12,000 grant and has chosen to use the grant funds for updates to its walking track and new basketball equipment.
• Brushy Public School District was awarded $13,500 and has chosen to use the funds for an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), health assessment equipment, playground and PE equipment, nutrition education, and staff development training on integrating physical activity throughout the school day. 
• Colcord Public Schools was awarded a $17,000 grant and has chosen to use the grant funds for hydration stations and replacement drinking fountains, cafeteria tables, and safe street crossing.
• Comanche Public Schools was awarded a $20,000 grant and has chosen to use the funds to purchase PE equipment, playground equipment and improvement, early childhood health and nutrition curriculum, and update virtual reality activity lab equipment.
• Cottonwood Public School was awarded an $8,000 grant and has chosen to use the grant funds for a walking track for school and community use.
• Grand View Public Schools was awarded a $2,000 grant in 2018 and has chosen to use the grant funds for a water bottle filling hydration station at the school.
• Jay Public Schools was awarded a $25,000 grant and has chosen to use the grant funds for playground equipment and improvement.
• Lukfata Public Schools was awarded a $15,000 grant and has chosen to use the grant funds for playground equipment.
• Maryetta Public School District was awarded $18,000 and has chosen to use the funds for playground improvement, activity stations for their walking trail, and outdoor activities for life sports equipment. 
• Moffett Public School District was awarded $13,500 and has chosen to use the funds for an AED, CPR Equipment, health assessment equipment, playground and PE equipment, archery equipment, nutrition education, staff development training and parent education. 
• Moyers Public Schools was awarded a $15,000 grant and has chosen to use the grant funds to install a walking track for school and community use, make playground improvements and to purchase an AED for the gym.
• Nowata Public Schools was awarded a $17,000 grant and has chosen to use the grant funds for playground improvement and greenhouse improvement.
• Oaks-Mission Public Schools was awarded a $15,000 grant and has chosen to use the grant funds for playground equipment and improvement.
• Porter Consolidated Public Schools was awarded a $11,500 grant and has chosen to use the grant funds for playground equipment and new bicycle racks.
• Rocky Mountain Public School District was awarded $15,000 and has chosen to use the funds for playground equipment and improvement.
• South Coffeyville Public Schools was awarded a $12,000 grant and has chosen to use the grant funds for playground equipment and improvement.
• Stilwell Public School District was awarded $20,000 and has chosen to use the grant funds for playground equipment and improvement. 
• Tahlequah Public Schools was awarded a $15,000 grant and has chosen to use the grant funds for Farm to School programs with farmers markets at elementary school sites, playground improvement, and new bike racks.
• Valliant Public Schools was awarded a $17,000 grant and has chosen to use the grant funds for playground equipment and improvement.
• Waurika Public Schools was awarded a $15,000 grant and has chosen to use the grant funds for playground equipment and improvement.
• Westville Public School District was awarded $25,000 and has chosen to use the funds for playground equipment and improvement, walking track improvements, safe street improvements, cafeteria equipment, archery equipment and staff development training in CPR & First Aid.
• Wright City Public Schools was awarded a $12,000 grant and has chosen to use the grant funds for PE and strength training equipment and improvement.

“These grants recognize the efforts of school districts and school sites that are actively promoting healthy lifestyles,” said TSET Executive Director Julie Bisbee. “Studies show that active, healthy kids perform better in school and we want to recognize schools that are making the healthy choice the easy choice for students, staff and the community.”

Pictured Above: Jessica Millberger, Assistant Coordinator, TSET Healthy Living Program serving Wagoner County; Johnna Sue Blair, Coordinator, TSET Healthy Living Program serving Wagoner County; Sharon Howard, Program Manager, TSET Healthy Schools Incentive Program; Charles McMahan, Porter Consolidated Public Schools Superintendent; Chris Sherwood, Elementary Principal/Assistant Athletic Director; Cecilia Hamilton, Library Media Specialist; Alex Smith, Assistant Coordinator, TSET Healthy Living Program serving Wagoner County

This Mother's Day, celebrate a tobacco-free life with the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline

This Mother’s Day, the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline encourages mothers across the state who smoke to consider quitting, not only for their children, but for themselves too. Roughly 1 in 5 Oklahoma women smoke, and smoking among women remains a serious issue. Female smokers put themselves at a high risk for developing smoking-related diseases such as infertility, lung cancer, stroke, COPD, heart disease and diabetes. Smoking during pregnancy can cause a baby to be born too early or to have low birth weight – making it more likely the baby will be sick or have to stay in the hospital longer. Quitting can be hard but the Helpline can make it easier. The Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline offers tips to all mothers, both smokers and nonsmokers, on how to protect their children from the dangers of smoking and secondhand smoke, which are among the most important things parents can do to promote health for their children. Call 1-800-QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669) or visit OKhelpline.com to explore all of the free services and resources available to Oklahomans, including additional free services for moms-to-be. Connect with the Helpline through social media by liking the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline on Facebook or following @OKhelpline on Twitter and Instagram.

TSET Office Manager retires after 30 years of state service

Long-time TSET Office Manager Dorothy Antwine is retiring after working for the State of Oklahoma for 30 years, 15 of which were spent at TSET. Antwine started at TSET in January 2004 and was TSET’s second employee.

“Her contributions and devotion to the TSET mission have made an enormous impact on the agency,” said TSET Executive Director Julie Bisbee. “Dorothy will be missed by all TSET staff and we wish her the best in her retirement.”

Pictured above: TSET Board members Dr. Curtis Knoles, Marshall Snipes and Casey Killblane; TSET Board Chair Bruce Benjamin, Ph.D.; Dorothy Antwine; TSET Board Vice-Chair Michelle Stephens; TSET Board member Don Millican