"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - CN Receives Oklahoma Healthy Business Award

TAHLEQUAH, OK — The Cherokee Nation has received the Certificate of Excellence from the Certified Healthy Business Program from the Oklahoma Turning Point Council (OTPC). The program recognizes businesses that work to improve Oklahoma’s health status by providing health and wellness opportunities for their employees. The announcement was made in a joint statement from the OTPC, the Oklahoma Academy for State Goals, the State Chamber of Commerce and the Oklahoma State Department of Health.

“One of our initiatives is to have a healthy and happy people,” said Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. “We are honored we were chosen to be among those recognized this year for this award.”

To become an Oklahoma Certified Healthy Business, employers must meet specific criteria, including providing employee health screenings, workplace health and nutrition education, opportunities for physical exercise activities, management support for healthy workplace environments, tobacco use prevention activities, and sharing wellness activities within their communities. Only 31 businesses from throughout the state were selected to receive the award this year.

In 2007, the Cherokee Nation passed legislation declaring all Cherokee Nation government buildings and property smoke and tobacco free. The Nation provides tobacco cessation classes as well as many health-promoting activities to employees and members of the community throughout the year, including health fairs, health exams, stickball games and the WINGS activity club. The Nation also opened the Male Seminary Complex Recreation Center in late 2008, which is free to all employees and their families, as well as Cherokee Nation citizens.

“A healthy lifestyle is the foundation for a successful and long-lived life,” said Julie Knutson, President of the Oklahoma Academy for State Goals. “We commend you on your motivation and drive to create the healthiest work place possible for your employees.”

Cherokee Nation Health Services representatives will accept the official award during a ceremony in January at the Governor’s Mansion in Oklahoma City.