OSU Institute of Technology continues to be recognized for its commitment to health and wellness by the Certified Healthy Oklahoma Program. Earlier this month, the campus was named a Certified Healthy Campus, Healthy Business, Healthy Early Childhood Center and Healthy Restaurant.

The Certified Healthy Oklahoma Program is a statewide certification from the Oklahoma Department of Health that annually recognizes organizations and communities that foster environments that support healthy choices.

To qualify, the organization must challenge people to eat better, move more and be tobacco free, as well as implement policies to create healthy environments.

OSUIT has participated in the Certified Healthy Oklahoma program since 2009. This was the first year OSUIT was named a Healthy Restaurant for its campus food services.

“I was very proud of the changes that OSUIT Dining Services has made over the past few years and felt the recognition as an Oklahoma Certified Healthy Restaurant was well deserved,”said James Byrd, director of Student Union and Auxiliary Services.

The secret to success is providing communities with a variety of opportunities to make healthy choices where they live, work and learn. Certified Healthy Oklahoma recognizes those entities that encourage health-focused behaviors and policies.

William R. Pierson, Okmulgee County Health Department administrative director, said these certifications provide opportunities to create environments that support and promote healthy decisions and healthy lifestyles that will ultimately improve Oklahoma’s health outcomes.

“We applaud all Certified Healthy Oklahoma recipients for making the healthy choice the easy choice and for helping create a culture of wellness in their communities,” Pierson said.

At OSUIT, Byrd said becoming a tobacco-free campus is one of the most important statements the university has made to encourage students and employees to live healthier lives.

OSUIT offers healthy food and meal options in its dining locations, as well as indoor and outdoor recreational and exercise facilities for students, faculty and staff to utilize. Student Life and Campus Health Services also offer special programs and services throughout the year such as BMI testing and health screenings.

“With the support of President Path and campus administration, OSUIT has been proactive in providing students, faculty and staff meaningful information and opportunities to improve their health through physical exercise, education and diet,” Byrd said.