The Jackson County Health Department has announced that several local businesses and schools have earned awards through Certified Healthy Oklahoma programs.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH), the Oklahoma Academy, the State Chamber of Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Turning Point Council recently announced the annual award winners for the state Certified Healthy Oklahoma programs. This year, 979 applications were submitted from groups throughout the state, and 755 award winners received the “Certified Healthy” status.

The programs award qualifying businesses, restaurants, schools, campuses and communities. There are three award levels for these Certified Health Oklahoma programs: Basic, Merit and Excellence.

In Jackson County, 24 businesses applied for certification. Of those applying, the JC Health Department and KEYB Radio received the Excellence award. Seven rated with Merit awards: Altus Air Force Base, Altus Chamber of Commerce, Altus Public Schools Administrative Center, Duke Public School, Jackson County Memorial Hospital and two Southwestern Youth Services, Inc. facilities. Two businesses, Bits and Spurs Company and Integris Family Care of Altus, received Basic awards.

Western Oklahoma State College earned an Excellence award in the campus category. Ten local schools, including Altus and Duke schools also earned Excellence awards. Olustee Elementary earned a Merit award.

Blair entered as a community, and earned Merit award. It is hoped that more communities in Southwest Oklahoma will follow Blair’s example.

For a list of statewide award winners, visit the OSDH website at www.health.ok.gov. Interested organizations can prepare now to become certified next year. Online applications will be available on Aug. 1. Criteria for certification can be found on the Oklahoma Turning Point Council website at www.okturningpoint.org.