|
WHERE WE LIVE
Oklahoma truly is a diverse state, known for its scenic landscapes, beautiful sunsets and outdoor opportunities. This is the land where the "corn is as high as an elephant's eye" and "where the wind comes sweeping down the plains." Do you know our great state is divided into six countries? Each country offers something special to its residents.
From one country to the next, groups of people across our state have formed grassroots coalitions to transform the health of Oklahomans. We know these groups as Turning Point. More than 50 local partnerships meet on a regular basis to talk about health issues and create policies to make Oklahoma a healthier place to live. These communities take great pride in creating their own health solutions. The Turning Point philosophy of community health improvement through shared state and local efforts has taken root. Click on the map below to find your Turning Point representative!
Frontier Country
Central Oklahoma Turning Point brings together ordinary people in Frontier Country to exchange ideas and identify health concerns in their communities. Frontier Country projects include: annual walking events; free health screenings; promotion of 24/7 tobacco-free environments; and promoting physical activity and healthy nutrition. Central Oklahoma is working to create a culture of health for visitors and locals alike.
Great Plains Country
Partnerships in Great Plains Country are working to promote healthy eating and physical activity in ways that are unique to their communities. Efforts include building a community garden; expanding and developing a trail system; providing hands-on demonstrations related to portion sizes, nutritional value of foods and healthy snacks and cooking options; and expanding physical education classes to include lifetime physical education such as ballroom dancing, yoga, hiking and biking.
Green Country
Local Turning Point partnerships are holding Walk This Weigh events to encourage community members to become more active, while others work specifically with older Oklahomans, college students and school-age children to encourage physical activity as a part of daily life. You'll also find community gardens being built to promote increased consumption of fresh produce. By providing exercise equipment, improving the existing trail system and promoting healthy eating, Green Country is on the go.
Kiamichi Country
Local initiatives encompass a variety of strategies as unique as our communities. Examples include locally designed walking trails and skate parks; Safe Routes to School; tribal nations incorporating the Chief's Challenge to encourage tribal members and the tribal workforce to support fitness camps for youth; and the Kiamichi Jubilee Summer Arts Camp providing a chance for all children to do something creative with their time and talents while learning about active play and healthy lifestyles.
Lake and Trail Country
Turning Point partnerships are paving the way for Lake and Trail Country. Initiatives include Fit for Life to educate children and youth on the need for daily physical activity and eating healthier. Partners in Progress Community Coalition, located in Marshall County, is Getting Fit with Five a Day, which stresses the importance of eating fruits and vegetables. Healthy Living 101 efforts also are under way that include parental involvement, county fairs, a media campaign and cooking workshops.
|
