TSET Board of Directors Funds Health Projects in Five Oklahoma Communities
The Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) awarded nearly $200,000 in Healthy Incentive Grants to five Oklahoma communities during its May board meeting.
The grants reward cities and towns that have adopted policies supporting healthier lifestyles, including tobacco-free environments, better access to nutritious foods and opportunities for physical activity.
“TSET supports communities taking thoughtful, sustainable steps to improve public health,” said Julie Bisbee, TSET executive director. “These funds recognize local efforts to create environments that support healthy choices and help bring lasting improvements to neighborhoods across Oklahoma.”
Funded projects include park upgrades, improved health infrastructure and wayfinding signage to promote active lifestyles. Each aligns with TSET’s mission to create environments where healthy choices are easier for all Oklahomans.
Community Awards:
| City | County | Project | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
Town of Langley |
Mayes |
Enhancements to the playground equipment for children ages 2-5. |
$14,000 |
Town of Depew |
Creek |
Wayfinding signage through town to increase walkability and encourage active lifestyles in the community. |
$10,000 |
City of Tulsa |
Tulsa |
Repairing asphalt on the Osage Prairie Trail to increase opportunities for physical activity. |
$40,000 |
Town of Ripley |
Payne |
Updates to the rodeo arena, including new lighting and fencing to increase active living. |
$10,000 |
City of Jenks |
Tulsa |
Wayfinding signage to increase walkability around downtown and the riverwalk trails. |
$120,000 |
Total |
$194,000 |
Since 2012, TSET has invested more than $5.5 million in communities through Healthy Incentive Grants.
Beginning in July, the program will expand to allow all incorporated cities and towns in Oklahoma to apply. Updates include higher maximum awards, a simplified application process and more flexible funding terms. Communities may now apply once every three fiscal grant years, and historical funding caps have been removed. For more details about Healthy Incentive Grants for Communities, visit ok.gov/tset/hig-c.
TSET also offers TSET Healthy Incentive Grants for schools to support local policies that promote student and staff wellness. Updates have also been made to the grant process for schools, beginning in July. For more details, visit ok.gov/tset/hig-s.
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The Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) serves as a partner and bridge builder for organizations shaping a healthier future for all Oklahomans. TSET provides leadership at the intersections of health by working with local coalitions and initiatives across the state, cultivating innovative and life-changing research and 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. To learn more, go to Oklahoma.gov/TSET
TSET – Better Lives Through Better Health