The Center for Rural Health was selected as a winner in the “Champion of Public Health” category of the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma Champions of Health Awards.
The news was officially announced this week. The Center for Rural Health will be recognized at an awards banquet on Oct. 8 in Oklahoma City.
Here is the portion of the Blue Cross Blue Sheild press release dealing with the Center's award
Champion of Public Health (tie - two winners)
Oklahoma State University Center for Rural Health, Tulsa - Improving the health and well-being of rural Oklahomans, more than half of the state’s population, is the focus of the OSU Center for Rural Health. The center achieves positive results through osteopathic student education and residency training, research, program applications, advocacy and alliances with other organizations that share the same goals. The center uniquely impacts osteopathic physicians and their rural practices, providing support services and strengthening the broader health care delivery systems in the rural communities where they practice. Physicians are prepared for the unique challenges of rural medicine, ensuring that quality physicians are available in rural towns to take care of residents.
Tulsa Community College Advanced Placement LPN-RN Program, Tulsa -The TCC nursing program partnered with the Tulsa Hospital Council and local vocational technical schools to develop and implement an innovative avenue for working LPNs to pursue their goal of becoming registered nurse. Through this successful collaborative partnership, the TCC Nursing LPN-RN Nursing Advanced Placement (NAP) program was created. Since its inception in Spring 2005, the NAP program has provided individualized career and academic counseling to over 350 LPNs. Fourty-nine LPNs have completed the program, and 98 percent of these graduates have become registered nurses. This fall, 32 LPNs are entering the NAP program and will likely enter the Oklahoma workforce as RNs in 2008.
The “Champion of Oklahoma Health” award will be accepted at the 2007 Champions of Health Awards, 6 p.m., Oct. 8, at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. The event features 2006 Miss America Jennifer Berry as master of ceremonies and former U.S. Congressman J.C. Watts as keynote speaker.
Tickets to the Champions of Health awards banquet may be purchased for $25 each, and event sponsorships benefit the Oklahoma Caring Foundation’s children’s health initiatives. For more information about sponsorships or to purchase tickets for the awards banquet, visit www.championsofhealth.org or call 1-866-876-4376. MasterCard and VISA payments are accepted.
