TSET Board of Directors Awards Healthy Incentive Grants to Communities

OKLAHOMA CITY (January 23, 2019) – The TSET Board of Directors on Tuesday approved grants for communities across the state that have passed policies to improve health and quality of life of residents through the TSET Healthy Incentive Program.

TSET funds were awarded to 17 communities as part of a comprehensive effort to prevent and reduce the leading causes of death in Oklahoma – heart disease, stroke and cancer by preventing unhealthy behaviors before they take root.

Grants are awarded to communities that have implemented key strategies aimed at creating an environment that encourages Oklahomans to eat better, move more and be tobacco free.

Successful communities have adopted tobacco-free, vapefree city property ordinances, support active transportation such as biking or walking, promote healthy nutrition and fruits and vegetables consumption through community gardens, farmers markets and making healthy foods more accessible and affordable.

Grant awards for TSET’s incentive program for communities is based on population size and the types of strategies implemented. Cities that have met TSET’s criteria and been awarded a grant choose how the grant funds will be used in their local communities. Grant dollars are frequently used to leverage financial partnerships to complete community projects that promote health.

“We are proud to recognize communities that are engaging in conversations on how to improve their investment in citizens’ health,” said TSET Interim Executive Director Julie Bisbee. “Preventing and reducing tobacco use and obesity in Oklahoma takes a comprehensive approach that supports healthy habits, removes barriers for healthy behaviors and encourages Oklahomans to be tobacco free. Combined with other prevention efforts, these communities are working to reduce the demand on an already stressed health care system, saving lives and saving money and improving quality of life.”
 

TSET Healthy Incentive Program for Communities awards

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                

Whitney Dinger, whitneyd@tset.ok.gov

Direct: 405-521-4959

Cell: 405-227-0488

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The Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) serves as a partner and bridge builder for organizations working towards shaping a healthier future for all Oklahomans. TSET provides leadership at the intersections of health by working across the state, by cultivating innovative and life-changing research, and by working across public and private sectors to develop, support, implement and evaluate creative strategies to take advantage of emerging opportunities to improve the public's health. TSET. Better Lives Through Better Health.