2009 Champions of Health Call for Nominations

Tulsa, OK — Do you know a Champion?

The Champions of Health awards recognize those individuals and organizations working to improve Oklahoma’s health. The 2009 Champions of Health awards program invites nominations of those who are making a significant difference in the health of Oklahomans.

Nominations can be submitted online at the Champions of Health Web site, www.championsofhealth.org through Friday, Aug. 14. The Web site also includes information about the Champions of Health partner organizations, past winners and additional program details.

Champions of Health winners in each of five categories will be presented an award and a $1,000 contribution to their organization or program. Winners will be honored in November during an awards banquet at the Renaissance Tulsa Hotel and Conference Center.

The five categories for the Champions of Health awards are: Champion of the Uninsured, Champion of Children’s Health, Community Health Champion, Champion of Senior Health, and Corporate Health Champion. In addition to these categories, the “Rodney L. Huey, M.D. Memorial Champion of Oklahoma Health” award will be presented to the entry judged to be the most unique and effective approach for improving Oklahoma’s health. The Champion of Oklahoma Health award winner will receive a $2,500 contribution to support health improvement efforts in Oklahoma.

“To truly make an impact, it’s important to shine a light on those whose efforts are making a difference in the health of Oklahomans,” said Bert Marshall, president, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma. “Our goal is that together we can develop partnerships and replicate that impact throughout the state.”

The Champions of Health awards program is presented by the following partner organizations: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma, the Oklahoma State Department of Health, the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, the Oklahoma Hospital Association, the Oklahoma State Medical Association, and the Oklahoma Osteopathic Association.

For more information about the Champions of Health program, go to the Champions of Health Web site at www.championsofhealth.org  and sign up for the e-newsletter or call (866) 876-4376.