2009 Champions of Health awards to feature Burns Hargis, Mike Turpen

Oklahoma State University President Burns Hargis will be reunited with his former Flash Point political talk show co-host, local attorney Mike Turpen, at the Champions of Health awards ceremony and banquet on Nov. 17. Turpen will serve as emcee and Hargis will be keynote speaker at the event, which recognizes individuals and organizations working to improve the health of Oklahomans.

The sixth annual awards banquet will honor five Champions for their health contributions to the state. The event begins at 7 p.m., Nov. 17 at the Renaissance Tulsa Hotel and Convention Center. Reservations are available for $30 each and may be purchased through Friday, Nov. 6 by calling 1-866-876-4376.

To view information about the winners and the event, visit http://www.championsofhealth.org/ .

“Congratulations to this year’s winners and to all who participated in the Champions of Health awards. All are winners for the work they are doing to improve the health and welfare of Oklahomans,” Hargis said. “I am honored to help recognize these health leaders at this year’s awards banquet.”

“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.”

Event sponsorships benefit the Oklahoma Caring Foundation, a 501c3 organization which provides Oklahoma children with free immunizations and basic access to health care.

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