TSET's latest Annual Report showcasing the agency's impact across the state is now available.
In fiscal year 2023, TSET kicked off several new initiatives, including improvements to infrastructure, health and wellness programs and expanded access to lung cancer screening.
The year also saw several significant milestones, notably the state's lowest adult smoking rate at 15.6%.
TSET is committed to operating with integrity, accountability and transparency. Our annual reports are a way for us to provide a full account of our work each year.
Read the report HERE.
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The American Lung Association just released their State of Tobacco Control report and gave Oklahoma failing grades for smoke-free air, tobacco taxes and flavored tobacco products.
While Oklahoma has made great strides in reducing smoking rates, falling from 28.6% in 2001 to 15.6% in 2023, progress has been slowed by laws friendly to the tobacco industry. Smoking contributes to 7,500 preventable deaths in Oklahoma each year and costs $1.88 billion in healthcare expenditures.
The American Lung Association calls for the following actions to be taken by Oklahoma's elected officials to reduce tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke:
- Repeal preemption on local government’s authority to pass stronger tobacco control laws;
- Impose a license on e-cigarette retailers and tax e-cigarette products; and
- Pass legislation eliminating smoking in all public places and workplaces.
Oklahoma scored well in two categories, receiving A's for tobacco cessation and prevention funding for access to cessation services, thanks in large part to services funded by TSET.
Read the full report HERE.
The Riversport Foundation is moving forward with Phase II of the Oklahoma Trailhead and Bike Park expansion after receiving a TSET grant of up to $785,704.
“TSET is committed to supporting healthy living in Oklahoma, and Riversport OKC provides a variety of sporting and other physical activities," said TSET Board Chair Marshall Snipes. “This grant will help the Riversport Foundation provide additional trails and amenities at the Oklahoma Trailhead and Bike Park that will enhance wellness for many years to come.”
Phase II of the expansion includes:
• An elevated dirt trail loop and sidewalk
• A gravel parking lot with lighting, paved disabled parking and striping
• Additional dirt trails and bike ramps
• A welcome plaza and activity zone
• Hedge wall and landscaping
• Other outdoor amenities for safety and comfort.
Improvements are expected to be complete by the summer of 2025.
Read more HERE.
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Perspective: Julie Bisbee in the Journal Record
Each new year brings fresh resolve to break bad habits, cultivate good habits and live healthier lives. Businesses and communities with policies and strategies that promote wellness make it easier for people to begin and sustain healthy habits. Read how several Oklahoma communities are doing just that.
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In Episode 44 of the TSET Better Health Podcast, we celebrate American Heart Month. Cardiologist Tim Daly explains how disease develops in the heart and blood vessels over time and how to stay healthy. We also visit the Cleveland County Wellness Square, where people of all ages gather for classes and activities that are great for both heart and spirit.
"Any exercise, movement, is what makes you live longer," said Daly. "As a matter of fact, I always tell people, I saw a video of these elderly women, they were all over 100. They said, 'What's the key to a long life?' They all said, 'Keep moving.'"
Available on TSET's website and everywhere podcasts are listened to: Spotify, TuneIn, Stitcher, PodBean, Google Podcasts and Apple Podcasts.
TSET is staffed by a dedicated and passionate group of people. This month, we would like to introduce Candice Bacon.
Candice Bacon is the Events and Outreach Coordinator for TSET. Bacon holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism with an emphasis in Public Relations from the University of Oklahoma. She has experience in marketing, advertising, social media management and educational outreach.
Bacon was previously a Wedding and Events Coordinator at Southwind Hills in Goldsby, Oklahoma, where she led a team to execute over 100 weddings and large-scale events.
Read about the rest of the team HERE.
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