TULSA, Okla. — Actress, model and author Brooke Shields will serve as keynote speaker for the virtual Champions of Health Awards from 4-5 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2021. Information about how to register for free can be found at championsofhealth.org.
Presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma (BCBSOK), the 18th annual Champions of Health Awards will honor individuals and organizations working to improve the health of Oklahomans. All sponsorship proceeds from the virtual event benefit The Oklahoma Caring Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization that provides Oklahoma children with immunizations at no charge through its Caring Van program.
“The Champions of Health Awards are a chance to honor our deserving winners and finalists, while highlighting the Oklahoma Caring Foundation’s efforts to protect the health of our communities,” said BCBSOK President Joseph R. Cunningham, M.D. “I look forward to hearing from Brooke Shields about her long career in Hollywood and her experience with postpartum depression.”
The Center for Individuals with Physical Challenges (The Center), a Tulsa-based non-profit organization dedicated to providing opportunities for individuals with physical challenges, is the recipient of the Dr. Rodney L. Huey Memorial Champion of Oklahoma Health, the highest honor of the Champions of Health Awards. The Center is an adaptive recreational facility where youth and adults with physical challenges can reap the benefits of programs and opportunities to meet their individual needs and goals.
As the overall winner, The Center will receive a $15,000 grant, and winners in remaining categories receive a $5,000 grant. Additional winners and finalists include:
Champion of Children’s Health Winner: Anna's House Foundation
Finalist: Counseling & Recovery Services of Oklahoma CALM Center
Champion of Senior Health Winner: LIFE Senior Services
Finalist: Areawide Aging Agency
Champion of the Uninsured Winner: Health Outreach Prevention Education, Inc. (H.O.P.E.)
Finalist: Brendon McLarty Memorial Foundation
Community Health Champion Winner: Family & Children's Services COPES 911
Finalist: Hospitality House of Tulsa
Corporate Health Champion Winner: Paycom
*The Corporate Health Champion is ineligible to receive grant funds.
About the Keynote Speaker
Brooke Shields is an actress, model, and author that has spent her life in the spotlight. Shields began her modeling career at 11 months old and was the youngest fashion model to grace the cover of Vogue magazine. She rapidly rose to fame appearing in films “Pretty Baby,” “Blue Lagoon” and “Endless Love.” Shields has maintained a successful and acclaimed television career, including her starring role in “Suddenly Susan,” and is a best-selling author of two memoirs. She is a happily married mother of two daughters, and a strong advocate for women’s issues and keeping the arts alive in schools.
About Champions of Health
The Champions of Health Awards is presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma, in partnership with Care Providers Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Association of Optometric Physicians, the Oklahoma Dental Association, the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, the Oklahoma Foundation for Medical Quality, the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, the Oklahoma Hospital Association, the Oklahoma Osteopathic Association, the Oklahoma Primary Care Association, the Oklahoma State Department of Health and the Oklahoma State Medical Association.
For sponsorship opportunities and to register for free for the virtual event, visit championsofhealth.org.
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Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma, a Division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association
