TULSA, OK – [August 22, 2016] – The Tulsa Health Department is hosting the North Tulsa Community Summit on Saturday, August 27, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the TCC Northeast campus, 3727 East Apache Street. The event is free to attend and open to the public; however, attendees must pre-register by Thursday at www.tulsa-health.org/northtulsasummit.
The event will bring together community members, leaders, activists, educators, government officials, public agencies and businesses for thoughtful and candid discussions about all of the factors that impact health.
“For too long, North Tulsa has experienced health disparities that are not as prevalent in other parts of our city,” said Dr. Bruce Dart, THD executive director. “These disparities are not going to go away if we only address health from a strictly medical perspective. For example, it’s hard to eat healthy if you live in a neighborhood that doesn’t have access to fresh, healthy food options.”
Social determinants of health are conditions in the environments in which people are born, live, learn, work, play, worship, and age that affect a wide range of health, functioning, and quality-of-life outcomes and risks. The health of an individual is determined in part by access to social and economic opportunities; resources and supports available in their home, neighborhood, and community; the quality of schooling; the safety of their workplace; the cleanliness of their water, food, and air; and the nature of their social interactions and relationships.
The summit will feature five panel discussions focusing on the following topics: health and health care, social and community context, education, economic stability, and neighborhood/built environment.
“We’re hosting this summit with the singular goal to create a culture of health in north Tulsa,” said Reggie Ivey, THD chief operations officer. “Everyone deserves to live the healthiest life possible, and we want to bring people together from all sectors to ensure equitable opportunities for all.”
About Tulsa Health Department
Since its establishment in 1950, the Tulsa Health Department serves as the primary public health agency to more than 600,000 Tulsa County residents, including 13 municipalities and four unincorporated areas. THD’s mission is to sustain an equitable system that prevents disease, promotes healthy living, and ensures preparedness. The agency is dedicated to empowering citizens to make healthy choices that carry forward for future generations. THD was among the first health departments in the U.S. to receive national accreditation through the Public Health Accreditation Board. For more information, please visit www.tulsa-health.org.
