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Champions of Health Gala Shines Spotlight on Oklahomans Changing Lives
Sep. 30, 2026
TULSA, Oklahoma — Behind every healthy community is someone who stepped forward to make a difference. Whether providing care to the uninsured, supporting children through difficult circumstances, helping seniors live healthier lives or inspiring others through selfless service, this year's Champions of Health honorees are changing lives across Oklahoma every day.
Presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma, the Champions of Health awards recognize organizations and individuals making a difference in the health and wellbeing of communities across the state. The awards ceremony featured a keynote address from actress, author and humanitarian Ashley Judd.
"True champions don't seek recognition. They simply see a need and step up to help," said Brooke Townsend, Oklahoma Caring Foundation's executive director. "This year's honorees are creating lasting change through compassion, innovation and service, making Oklahoma healthier and stronger for generations to come."
The 2026 Champions of Health recipients:
Champion of Children's Health: Higher Dimensions Youth Athletic Foundation
Champion of Senior Health: Edmond Mobile Meals
Champion of the Uninsured: Ministries of Jesus
Champion of Community Health: Restore OKC
Heart of a Champion: Lillian “Lilly” Seward, a Jenks High School sophomare, was recognized for exemplary character, leadership and dedication to serving others.
The evening's highest honor, the Rodney L. Huey Memorial Champion of Oklahoma Health Award, was presented to Neighbors Along the Line. For more than two decades, Neighbors Along the Line has operated with one guiding principle, neighbors helping neighbors. By providing access to food, health care, education and support services, the organization empowers individuals and families to overcome barriers and improve their quality of life. Its approach addresses needs while creating opportunities for long-term health and stability.
"At Neighbors Along the Line, we believe every person deserves the opportunity to thrive," said Shannon Chambers, the nonprofit's Executive Director. "This recognition is a testament to our staff, volunteers, partners and the families we serve every day. We are honored to receive this award and grateful for the support that will allow us to continue investing in our community."
The Champions of Health Gala benefits the Oklahoma Caring Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving access to preventive health services for Oklahomans. Since 1999, the Oklahoma Caring Vans have provided hundreds of thousands of vaccinations to underserved children and families across the state.
Learn more about the Oklahoma Caring Foundation
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About Champions of Health
The annual Champions of Health Gala benefits The Oklahoma Caring Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to providing Oklahomans access to preventive health services. Founded in 1994, the foundation is funded by community contributions and administered as an in-kind gift by 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.
The Champions of Health awards program 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 Oklah oma 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.
About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma
For over 85 years, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma has been committed to meeting the health care financing needs of Oklahomans. As the state's oldest and largest private health insurer, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma provides health care benefit plans for more than 810,000 Oklahomans. Blue Cross and B lue Shield of Oklahoma is a division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
About Neighbors Along the Line
For nearly 50 years, Neighbors Along the Line has provided vital healthcare access to northwest Tulsa's uninsured community through its free medical clinic, operated in partnership with the Ascension St. John & OSU Center for Health Sciences. The clinic off ers consistent, dignified medical care to patients who would otherwise go without — treating not just symptoms, but the whole person behind them. That care doesn't happen in isolation. NATL's clinic sits alongside a food pantry, and a GED/HiSET education program, all under one roof, so a single visit can meet more than one need. It's a model built on a simple belief: real health depends on more than medicine — it depends on food security, education, and community woven together, and neighbors sh ouldn't have to choose between them.