2013 News Releases

Nominations Now Open for the 2013 'Champions of Health' Awards

Tulsa, OK — Individuals, groups and organizations that are changing the health of Oklahomans through innovative programming are encouraged to apply for the 2013 Champions of Health awards.

Transforming Primary Health Care in Oklahoma

Tulsa, OK — The Greater Tulsa Region is currently one of seven regions across the nation participating in a new initiative coordinated by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' (CMS) Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation. This Comprehensive Primary Care (CPC) Initiative  offers value-based care reimbursement to primary care physicians over the course of four years.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma Honored with Brand Excellence Award

Tulsa, OK — Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma announced today that it received a Brand Excellence Award from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) for the second year running. The annual awards honor Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies that excel in developing and enhancing the overall Blue Cross and Blue Shield brand image.

Piedmont Students Receive Grand Prize in Tobacco-free Contest

Piedmont, OK — Students in Misty Granger's sixth hour class at Piedmont Intermediate School in Piedmont, Oklahoma, were selected as the grand prize winner in the ninth annual Be Smart—Don't Start Anti-Tobacco Contest. The contest is a tobacco-free initiative which provides Oklahoma elementary students the opportunity to create their own message to teach their peers about the dangers of tobacco use.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma Names New Chief of Staff

Tulsa, OK — Nicole Amend was named chief of staff for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma, effective January 21. In this role, Nicole now works with President Ted Haynes and the executive leadership team to direct and control overall planning, administration, budget and reporting for the company. Amend will continue her responsibility for the Public Relations department.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma Supports Local Tobacco Control

Oklahoma City, OK — The annual, statewide Be Smart – Don't Start Anti-Tobacco Contest has upgraded its curriculum, prizes and convenience for teachers. The contest educates students in grades K-5 on the dangers of tobacco through a new and improved Smart Board compatible curriculum. The 30-minute lesson is fun, interactive and includes assessments aligned with Oklahoma's new C3 Standards.

Local Volunteer Looks Back on 2012 with No Regrets

Oklahoma City, OK — The annual, statewide Be Smart – Don't Start Anti-Tobacco Contest has upgraded its curriculum, prizes and convenience for teachers. The contest educates students in grades K-5 on the dangers of tobacco through a new and improved Smart Board compatible curriculum. The 30-minute lesson is fun, interactive and includes assessments aligned with Oklahoma's new C3 Standards.

Be Smart – Don't Start Anti-Tobacco Contest Offers New Curriculum and Prizes

Oklahoma City, OK — The annual, statewide Be Smart – Don't Start Anti-Tobacco Contest has upgraded its curriculum, prizes and convenience for teachers. The contest educates students in grades K-5 on the dangers of tobacco through a new and improved Smart Board compatible curriculum. The 30-minute lesson is fun, interactive and includes assessments aligned with Oklahoma's new C3 Standards.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma Encourages Consumers to Consider Flu Vaccine

Tulsa, OK — As the nation's flu outbreak continues to increase, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma urges those consumers who have not yet gotten the flu shot to consider doing so or consult with their doctor. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), most of the country is now experiencing high levels of influenza-like-illness. In Oklahoma, the latest reports from state health officials indicate 345 people have been hospitalized and eight people have died since September 30, 2012.