AST Health Receives Excellence Award

Norman, Oklahoma – On March 2, 2016, the Absentee Shawnee Tribal Health System was awarded a Certified Healthy Business Excellence Award 2015, for the medium to large work place category, at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center, in Norman, Oklahoma. The luncheon and ceremony was hosted by the Oklahoma State Department of Health, Center for the Advancement of Wellness. Oklahoma State Governor Mary Fallin along with Dr. Terry Cline, Secretary of Health and Human Services and Commissioner of Health, Oklahoma State Department of Health were present to provide encouraging messages regarding Oklahoma’s health.

This state program was created in 2003 to recognize Oklahoma businesses that promote health and wellness for their employees. Promotion of health and wellness can be done in a variety of ways, including passing policies that encourage healthy lifestyles and making facilities available for physical activities. There are 3 levels in which businesses are certified: Basic, Merit and Excellence.

Currently, the major causes of death and disability in Oklahoma are due to chronic conditions such as heart disease, cancer, stroke, and Type 2 diabetes, and a significant proportion of these conditions are preventable. By becoming a Certified Healthy Business, the Absentee Shawnee Tribal Health System is providing a healthy environment for employees, thereby supporting better choices and an overall healthier Oklahoma.

Representing the tribe and the tribal health system were the Absentee Shawnee Tribal Governor Edwina Butler Wolfe, Absentee Shawnee Tribal Health Board ASTHA Chairman Melpherd Switch, and Absentee Shawnee Tribal Health System staff: Executive Director Mark Rogers, Clinic Administrator/Deputy Director Marla Throckmorton, Project Manager Aly Miller, and Emily Key, Diabetes Coordinator/Occupational Therapist.