Nominations Accepted for the 2010 'Champions of Health' Awards

TULSA, Okla., June 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Do you know a health Champion? Individuals and organizations around the state champion efforts to improve the health of Oklahomans everyday, using limited resources and without recognition. The Champions of Health Awards seek to shine a light on those profound efforts to improve Oklahoma's health. The 2010 Champions of Health awards program invites nominations of those who are making a significant difference in the health of Oklahomans.

Nominations can be submitted online at the Champions of Health website, championsofhealth.org, through July 30. The website provides information about the Champions of Health partner organizations, the non-profit beneficiary – The Oklahoma Caring Foundation, sponsorship opportunities, previous winners and additional program details.

Champions of Health winners in each of five categories will be presented an award and a $1,000 contribution to their organization or program. Winners will be honored at the annual awards ceremony and banquet this Fall in Oklahoma City.

The five nomination categories include: Champion of the Uninsured, Champion of Children's Health, Community Health Champion, Champion of Senior Health and Corporate Health Champion. In addition to these categories, the "Dr. Rodney Huey Memorial Champion of Oklahoma Health" award will be presented to the entry judged to have the most unique and effective approach for improving Oklahoma's health.  The Champion of Oklahoma Health award winner will receive a $2,500 contribution to their organization or program.

"Receiving the 2009 Champion of Oklahoma Health award was a marked pinnacle for the Tulsa County Recycled Medication Program," said Linda Johnston, director of social services for the Tulsa County Recycled Medication Program. "To be recognized by such an esteemed group with this award was a triumph of excellence that humbled us to tears."

The Champions of Health awards program is presented by the following partner organizations: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma, the Oklahoma State Department of Health, the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, the Oklahoma Hospital Association, the Oklahoma State Medical Association, and the Oklahoma Osteopathic Association.

For more information about the Champions of Health program, go to championsofhealth.org and sign up for the e-newsletter or call (866) 876-4376.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma is a Division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ® Registered Marks Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association

SOURCE Champions of Health