Nominations Now Open for the 2011 'Champions of Health' Awards

Features new award amounts and categories

TULSA, Okla., June 13, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- We are looking for a health champion – is it you? 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 2011 Champions of Health awards program invites nominations of those who are making a significant difference in the health of Oklahomans.

Nominations can be mailed or submitted digitally through July 15. It is free to enter. Details and requirements for nominations can be found on championsofhealth.org. The website provides information about the Champions of Health partner organizations, the non-profit beneficiary of the Champions of Health Gala – The Oklahoma Caring Foundation, sponsorship opportunities, previous winners and additional program details.

All Champions of Health winners will be presented an award. Nonprofit winners in select categories will receive a $5,000 contribution to their organization or program, and will be considered for the highest honor, the Dr. Rodney Huey Memorial Champion of Oklahoma Health Award. This recipient will receive $15,000. Winners will be honored at the annual awards gala Oct. 25, 2011 in Tulsa.

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 with divisions for small and large businesses. More information is available online at championsofhealth.org.

"The Farm to You team was honored and humbled to be selected the 2010 Champion of Oklahoma Health from among the variety of creative and innovate health programs recognized last year," said Deana Hildebrand, associate professor and extension specialist at Oklahoma State University's College of Human Environmental Sciences, Department of Nutritional Sciences. "To receive such a respected award validates the tireless efforts of the Cooperative Extension educators and the support they receive from the Department of Nutritional Sciences in the College of Human Sciences at Oklahoma State University toward improving the health of Oklahoma youth."

The Champions of Health awards program is presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma in partnership with 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 latest news, 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 Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma