How Towns in Oklahoma Are Reaping the Benefits of the Tobacco Settlement

No matter where you look, TSET is hard at work to change behaviors and move our state toward a healthier tomorrow. Somewhere in Oklahoma, a smoker is making the choice to quit with free resources from the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline. Somewhere else, children stay active thanks to their school’s equipment. You’ll find TSET behind your local farmers market or matching SNAP dollars for produce in your grocery store. Cities and towns across the Sooner State are reaping the benefits of TSET. Here are just a few of their stories.

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

In the heart of Oklahoma, TSET’s live-saving impact reaches the patients of the TSET Phase I Program at Stephenson Cancer Center. The program’s clinical trials were Monty Russell’s last treatment option when he was diagnosed with cancer. He was able to receive world-class care close to home, without the burden of excessive travel on his family.

Jenks, Oklahoma

Students at Jenks West Elementary keep their brains and bodies active in their Action-Based Learning Lab, funded by a TSET Healthy Schools Incentive Grant. Groups of students use the lab for 20 minutes at a time, then return to their classroom for traditional instruction. Since its implementation, administrators have noticed a drop in disciplinary issues since children are more engaged throughout the day.

Stigler, Oklahoma

In towns across the state, you’ll find doctors serving rural communities, thanks to TSET’s support of the Physician Manpower Training Commission’s Medical Loan Repayment Program. In Stigler, Dr. Valerie Robinson stole the hearts of residents with her passion for rural OK and her patient-first philosophy.

Collinsville, Oklahoma

Up the road in Collinsville, residents enjoy three miles of hiking and biking trails constructed with funding from a TSET Healthy Communities Incentive Grant. The series of trails encourages citizens to be more physically active, reducing their risk of obesity — which has been linked to 13 types of cancer.

Okmulgee, Oklahoma

You can also find TSET in a basket of zucchini grown in the Okmulgee Community Garden, where excess produce is provided to citizens who can’t afford fresh fruits and vegetables. Making a healthy diet more accessible lowers the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers.

After 20 years, TSET has touched lives in all 77 counties and plans to continue improving health for decades to come. Have an idea for how TSET can improve health in your community? Learn about our funding opportunities, connect with a TSET grantee near you or contact us.