Healthy Oklahoma
Oklahoma Health Improvement Plan Bringing Health into Focus

Despite these notable improvements, there continue to be challenges.

Oklahoma is ranked 46th in overall health according to the 2014 United Health Foundation (UHF), up from 49th in 2009. As concerning is the fact that OklahomaÕs death rate exceeds the nationÕs rate and deaths due to individual diseases or conditions are often much higher than other states.

Oklahoma has the 4th highest rate of deaths from all causes in the nation, 23% higher than the national rate. Perhaps more disturbing is the fact that while OklahomaÕs mortality rate dropped 5% over the past 20 years, the U.S. mortality rate dropped 20%. Oklahoma is not keeping up with the rest of the nation, which means more Oklahomans are dying unnecessarily each and every year.

More needs to be done if we are to achieve optimal health for Oklahomans throughout their lives. Oklahoma intends to meet that challenge through the engagement of the business community through private/public partnerships, collaboration with key stakeholders, coordinated health initiatives with tribal nations and through the involvement of communities in shaping positive health strategies.

The OHIP involves broad and diverse stakeholder participation from key state agency and tribal health directors, insurance representatives, members of the public health community, public and private healthcare providers, the business community, professional associations, academic officials, and community members.

When the priorities identified in this plan are accomplished, key risk factors contributing to negative health outcomes in Oklahoma will have been reduced.

Health system transformation will yield a sustainable health model capable of delivering care that achieves optimal health through the prevention of disease and ensuring access to quality care for all Oklahomans. The OHIP also addresses individual conditions, health behaviors and key populations through a focus on flagship issues targeting tobacco, obesity, childrenÕs health and behavioral health. Health must begin where people live, work, play and learn. This plan builds upon that intention.

ALL OKLAHOMANS ARE ASKED TO DO THEIR PART AND PARTICIPATE IN CREATING A CULTURE OF HEALTH THROUGH THE FOLLOWING ACTIONS:

Adopt recommended healthy lifestyle changes and encourage your friends and family.
Adopt recommended health policies within businesses, schools, congregations and communities.
Get connected with a local Turning Point or other community partnership to plan and implement local community health improvement efforts. Visit www.health.ok.gov for a complete listing of Turning Point Coalitions in Oklahoma.
Encourage local businesses, schools, communities, and congregations to apply for and achieve Certified Healthy Oklahoma recognition.
Visit www.OHIP2020.com to explore Oklahoma flagship issues in more detail and get connected with OHIP workgroups to offer suggestions for local health improvement.



WhatÕs new at your Office of Disability Concerns!

We want to welcome our two new Disability Program Specialist!  They join our team to continue to provide important work to help navigate our complex world.

Kyle
ÒMy name is Kyle King I have Psychology degree from Southern Nazarene University, and I have worked in the field of disability for about 8 years or so.   My main area is employment of people with disabilities,  I first started this work with workforce as a Disability Navigator where I gained the knowledge of employment and community resources.   I helped clients navigate through the system to find resources they needed for a better opportunities.  I have a different take on disabilities and try to help people focus on the positive things and what all they can contribute. I believe that a personÕs environment such as education and or training can help them overcome almost any roadblocks in life.  And at Office of Disability Concerns we create a productive environment for our clients and partners.Ó

Jacob
ÒMy Name is Jacob Hill I am from Norman Oklahoma.  I have had Multiple Sclerosis for over ten years.  I am a patient advocate every day of my life.  My passion in life is to help people with disabilities because I have one and I know the uncertainty and struggles there are on a daily basis. I have professional experience in Banking, Customer service, and Sales.  I have served on an advisory Committee for Governor Mary Fallen in the recent past.  I served on the Jobs for People with Disabilities Committee.  I have spent the past 6 years of my life as a Volunteer/patient at Neuro Resources in Oklahoma City.  I am excited about my opportunity to make a difference at the office of disability concern.Ó

Have you been to our web site?  We constantly update information to help you have important information.  A new feature is that we have put up a podcast page.  The page will feature articles, documents and items of interest narrated into an mp3 file.  You can either listen to the cast on the web site using your player of choice, or download into your personal player.
Items available are our great articles from our News Letter.  This includes our new feature Financial CapABILITIES, the Tip of the Hat from CAP, continuing education on disabilities.  We have also included one of our publications The Little Book of Advocacy.