OKLAHOMA CITY - The Oklahoma State Department of Health’s (OSDH) Certified Healthy Oklahoma Program will begin accepting applications for 2025 on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025. This free, statewide initiative recognizes organizations prioritizing helping Oklahomans eat better, move more, and be tobacco-free.
Applications must be received by close of business on Nov. 1, 2025, to be considered.
“We believe that businesses, organizations and communities have the power to be leaders in making health and wellness a top priority,” said Karin Leimbach, OSDH state program coordinator. “Certified Healthy is a chance for them to be recognized for the work already underway and the commitment to a healthier future.”
Launched in 2003, Certified Healthy Oklahoma is a collaboration between the OSDH, the Oklahoma Academy, Oklahoma Turning Point Council and the State Chamber of Oklahoma. The program offers certification in six categories:
- Business
- School
- Campus
- Community
- Congregation
- Early Childhood Program
Certification levels include: Basic, Merit and Excellence.
Applicants will undergo a thorough assessment to determine how effectively they support health and can access additional resources and evidence-based strategies to help build upon efforts to create healthier environments. Program participants will be notified in February 2026 about their awarded certification level and will receive formal recognition.
“Through this initiative, we've enhanced employee well-being by offering access to the city’s Rec Center—free of charge for full-time employees and their immediate household family members,” said Ashley Hickman with the City of Claremore. “City Hall also features treadmills and ellipticals in a designated breakroom to encourage daily movement, and we offer a weekly lunchtime yoga class to help employees reset and manage stress. These efforts have encouraged employees to be more mindful of their health and well-being.”
Nearly 2,000 Oklahoma businesses and organizations applied to receive certification through the program in 2024.
To learn more about Certified Healthy Oklahoma or to apply, click here.
The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) protects and improves public health through its system of local health services and strategies focused on preventing disease. OSDH provides technical support and guidance to 68 county health departments in Oklahoma, as well as guidance and consultation to the two independent city-county health departments in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Learn more at Oklahoma.gov/health.
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