OSU Institute of Technology continues to earn accolades for efforts to make students, faculty and staff healthier through food options, activity offerings and health screenings.

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.

OSUIT was once again recognized as a Healthy Campus, Healthy Business, Healthy Restaurant and Healthy Early Childhood Program.

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 year the institution earned an excellent rating, the highest awarded, in the Healthy Business category.

“The reason OSUIT earned a rating of excellent in the business category could be attributed to the continued emphasis OSUIT places on employee health and wellness through health screenings, health and wellness educational opportunities and OSUIT’s continued support for the Tobacco Free Campus initiative,” said James Byrd, director of Student Union and Auxiliary Services.

The certifications provide opportunities to create environments that support health policies and individual health decisions that ultimately will improve Oklahoma’s health outcomes, said Brenda Potts, regional director of the Okmulgee County Health Department.

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

With the support of campus administration and leadership, Byrd said OSUIT has been proactive in offering students and employees meaningful information and opportunities to improve their health through diet, exercise and education.

“The OSUIT Human Resources department, Campus Health Services, Office of Student Life, and Campus Dining Services are continually looking for new programs and ways to improve the health and well-being of our faculty, staff and students,” he said. “Opportunities to participate in these types of new programs will be announced as they arise throughout the year.”