http://www.tulsa-health.org/about-us/media/current-news/ Current press releases from the Tulsa Health Departmenten-us Thu, 17 Nov 2005 10:50:32 AMTue, 23 Feb 2010 06:31:37 AM http://www.tulsa-health.org/about-us/media/current-news/?i=2112(Tulsa, OK) The Tulsa Health Department has received the Certified Healthy Business Award of Excellence. To be certified, businesses must meet specific criteria, including providing employee health screenings, workplace health and nutrition education, opportunities for physical exercise activities, management support for healthy workplace environments, tobacco use prevention activities, and sharing wellness activities within their respective communities. The Tulsa Health Department provides an employee wellness program to their staff that includes employee health screenings, nutrition consultation, a smoking cessation program, and exercise activities. "The Tulsa Health Department is very committed to improving the health of our employees and our community residents. Through our wellness program, we have had numerous success stories of employees lowering their blood pressure, becoming more active, or detecting potential health issues early through the screenings we provide." stated Tulsa Health Department Interim Director Reggie Ivey. The Tulsa Health Department also partners with the YMCA and OU Physicians to offer employee wellness programs to area businesses through the Working for Balance program. The Working for Balance program provides resources for private businesses to implement employee wellness activities or expand the current offerings a company provides. To learn more about the Working for Balance program visit   http://www.tulsa-health.org/community-health/working-for-balance/. The Tulsa Health Department offers low cost medical screenings for hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, anemia, breast cancer and cervical cancer as well as smoking cessation resources for area residents. For more information on these services, the public is encouraged to call 918-582-9355.   To learn more about the Oklahoma Certified Healthy Business program, visit the Oklahoma Turning Point Council Web site at www.okturningpoint.org.  The Oklahoma Certified Healthy Business program is sponsored by the Oklahoma State Department of Health, Oklahoma Academy, The State Chamber, and Oklahoma Turning Point Council.   ###Tue, 23 Feb 2010 06:30:00 AM http://www.tulsa-health.org/about-us/media/current-news/?i=2104 (Tulsa, OK) Due to severe weather conditions in Tulsa County, all Tulsa Health Department locations will be closed on Friday, January 29, 2010. The foodhandler course scheduled for Friday, January 29th at 9:00 a.m. will not be held. For a complete listing of upcoming foodhandler training courses visit the Tulsa Health Department web site at http://www.tulsa-health.org/food-safety/foodhandler-classes-permits/.   The Tulsa Health Department will continue to be actively involved with the City of Tulsa Emergency Operations Center and ready to assist in any way necessary.  For safety tips during severe winter weather and power outages, please visit www.tulsa-health.org.    ###Thu, 28 Jan 2010 08:27:00 PM http://www.tulsa-health.org/about-us/media/current-news/?i=2077(Tulsa, OK) The Tulsa 66ers basketball team is partnering with the Tulsa Health Department and Academy Sports + Outdoors to encourage elementary students to increase their physical activity and ultimately improve their health. Tulsa 66ers Head Coach Nate Tibbetts, team players, and Reggie Ivey, Interim Director of the Tulsa Health Department will tip off the campaign at Greeley Elementary in the Tulsa Public Schools district on Tuesday, January 12th at 10:00 a.m. Greeley Elementary is located at 105 East 63rd Street North in Tulsa. Coach Tibbetts and the players will share with the students the importance of being healthy and what they can do to win prizes for being physically active.  "We are extremely thankful to be involved with this worthwhile program, as part of the overall initiative of the NBA to encourage kids to be physically active." 66ers President Jim Brylweski said. "It is the Tulsa 66ers goal to be champions of our community both on and off the court."  A recent report ranked Oklahoma as having the sixth highest rate of adult obesity. Another study found that 66.6% of adults in Oklahoma are overweight or obese. "We are very excited to partner with the Tulsa 66ers and Academy Sports + Outdoors on this important issue. It is critical that we do all we can to develop healthy habits at a young age." stated Interim Tulsa Health Department Director Reggie Ivey.   The Get Fit 66 Challenge is offered to all Tulsa County children in grades 1st - 5th. Children can participate by completing weekly activity logs and turning them in for a chance to win weekly prizes. Prizes range from a bicycle to tickets to 66ers games and items such as frisbees, jump ropes, and water bottles. Children can begin submitting their weekly activity logs this Friday, January 15th either to their school if their school site is participating or to Academy Sports + Outdoors or Tulsa Health Department locations. Activity logs have been distributed to area schools or students can download activity logs at www.tulsaplay.org. At the end of the 66 day challenge, the top three schools with the most participation will each win a shopping spree at Academy Sports and Outdoors for school sports equipment.     Additionally, the Tulsa 66ers will host a Get Fit 66 Challenge Night at their January 16th home game vs. the Erie Bayhawks at 7:00 p.m. at the Tulsa Convention Center. The school that has the most representation at the game will receive a visit from a Tulsa 66ers basketball team member to their school.     For more information contact Jawan Smith at 918-585-8444 or jsmith@tulsa66ers.com. ##Mon, 11 Jan 2010 06:23:00 AM http://www.tulsa-health.org/about-us/media/current-news/?i=2049(Tulsa, OK) The Tulsa Health Department will be offering free H1N1 vaccinations to holiday travelers on Monday, December 28th from 8:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. at Tulsa International Airport located at 7777 East Apache, Tulsa, OK 74115. The vaccination area will be set up at the upper level checkpoint area. This vaccination site is intended for individuals who are traveling.  "It certainly is not too late to receive a H1N1 vaccination. We continue to look at ways we can make getting vaccinated easy. By offering H1N1 vaccine at the Tulsa International Airport on one of the busiest travel days of the year, we hope to reach those who may have been too busy during the holidays to make time to protect themselves with a vaccination." stated Tulsa Health Department Interim Director Reggie Ivey. Free H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccinations continue to be offered to residents overs 6 months of age on a walk-in basis Mondays - Thursdays 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and Fridays 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. at the following locations:  James O. Goodwin Health Center located at 5051 S. 129th E. Avenue, Tulsa, OK Central Regional Health Center located at 315 S. Utica, Tulsa, OK Expo Square Health Center located at 4616 E. 15th Street, Tulsa, OK    "Although we are seeing a decline in H1N1 related hospitalizations, the virus continues to circulate in our community and there is a concern we could see another outbreak in the coming months. Vaccination is the best method of protection from H1N1." added Tulsa Health Department Interim Director Reggie Ivey. For more information the public can visit the Tulsa Health Department web site at www.tulsa-health.org, call the flu hotline at 918-595-4500 to hear a recorded message, or call 918-582-9355 Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. to visit with a public health professional. The Tulsa Health Department also has a twitter site at www.twitter.com/TulsaHealthDept.     ##Sun, 27 Dec 2009 07:40:00 PM http://www.tulsa-health.org/about-us/media/current-news/?i=2046(Tulsa, OK) Tulsa Health Department officials want to remind the public that it is not too late to receive both a H1N1 and a seasonal flu vaccination. Both vaccinations are available free of charge to any resident over six months of age who would like to be vaccinated. Free H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccinations are available on a walk-in basis Mondays - Thursdays 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and Fridays 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. at the following locations:  James O. Goodwin Health Center located at 5051 S. 129th E. Avenue, Tulsa, OK Central Regional Health Center located at 315 S. Utica, Tulsa, OK Expo Square Health Center located at 4616 E. 15th Street, Tulsa, OK      For more information the public can visit the Tulsa Health Department web site at www.tulsa-health.org, call the flu hotline at 918-595-4500 to hear a recorded message, or call 918-582-9355 Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. to visit with a public health professional. The Tulsa Health Department also has a twitter site at www.twitter.com/TulsaHealthDept.      ##Wed, 16 Dec 2009 11:40:00 AM http://www.tulsa-health.org/about-us/media/current-news/?i=2037(Tulsa, OK) Tulsa Health Department officials want to remind the public that it is not too late to receive a H1N1 vaccination. Free H1N1 vaccinations will be available to anyone over six months of age at a walk-in clinic on Saturday at ORU Mabee Center located at 7777 S. Lewis Avenue, Tulsa, OK from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Those seeking a vaccination should enter the Mabee Center parking lot off of Lewis by the large event marquee. The entrance to the clinic will be the North door number 3. It is recommended that the public park in lot D, A, or C.   Individuals who wish to receive a vaccination are encouraged to:  Fill out paperwork ahead of time by downloading a vaccination form and bringing it with you Wear clothing that allows for easy access to the arm for those receiving an injectable vaccination    In addition to the upcoming general public clinic, the Tulsa Health Department is offering free H1N1 vaccinations Mondays - Thursdays 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and Fridays 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. at their three Tulsa Health Department locations to the following groups:  all children 6 months of age - 18 including children who need a booster vaccination pregnant women persons over age 64 individuals with limited mobility   These groups can receive their vaccine at the following locations: James O. Goodwin Health Center located at 5051 S. 129th E. Avenue, Tulsa, OK Central Regional Health Center located at 315 S. Utica, Tulsa, OK Expo Square Health Center located at 4616 E. 15th Street, Tulsa, OK    The Tulsa Health Department also continues to offer school-based vaccination clinics throughout Tulsa County. During school-based clinics, the vaccine is only available to students currently enrolled at the school and faculty members.  For more information the public can visit the Tulsa Health Department web site at www.tulsa-health.org, call the flu hotline at 918-595-4500 to hear a recorded message, or call 918-582-9355 Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. to visit with a public health professional. The Tulsa Health Department also has a twitter site at www.twitter.com/TulsaHealthDept.      ##  Thu, 10 Dec 2009 10:14:00 AM http://www.tulsa-health.org/about-us/media/current-news/?i=2036(Tulsa, OK) A review of infant deaths in Tulsa County has found that in a three year period, 57.1% of Tulsa County infants who died before their first birthday were due to a sleep-related cause. The Tulsa Fetal Infant Mortality Review (TFIMR) project & the Community Service Council are bringing together nearly 50 community agencies to learn more about this alarming trend. The "Wake Up Tulsa" training event will be held Wednesday, December 9th from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at the James O. Goodwin Health Center auditorium located at 5051 S. 129th  E. Avenue, Tulsa, OK 74134. Community agencies will be presented statistical data and recommendations on how Tulsa County can educate families about the importance of safe sleep habits.  Families can reduce their baby’s risk for a sleep-related injury or death by creating a safe sleep environment. Here are some tips families should follow:  Room share, don’t bed share. Place your baby on a firm mattress in his or her own crib or bassinet. Place your baby on his or her back to sleep. When your baby is awake, supervised “Tummy Time” will help prevent flat spots. Remove ALL ITEMS from your baby’s crib. Avoid overheating. If you’re comfortable, you’re baby will be comfortable. Provide a smoke-free environment for your baby. The TFIMR program studies fetal and infant deaths in our community in order to identify trends and implement preventive measures to reduce the infant mortality rate. A TFIMR Case Review Team examines local cases of fetal or infant death by reviewing information collected from physician and hospital records, parent interviews, relevant documents, etc. The team also identifies barriers to care and trends in service delivery, and suggests ideas to improve policies and systems that affect families.A TFIMR Community Action Team then puts these recommendations into action appropriate for the Tulsa community and participates in implementing interventions designed to address the identified problems. The TFIMR program is a collaborative effort of the Tulsa Health Department, the Oklahoma State Department of Health, the Tulsa Healthy Start Initiative, and the Family Health Coalition. For more information, please contact TFIMR Community Specialist Kassie Prather at (918) 595-4463 or kprather@tulsa-health.org.   ###Tue, 08 Dec 2009 02:43:00 PM http://www.tulsa-health.org/about-us/media/current-news/?i=2035(Tulsa, OK) Tulsa Health Department has received a supply of approximately 4,000 doses of seasonal flu vaccine. Due to the small supply, it will be offered to those who are at highest risk for complications from seasonal influenza. The vaccine is being offered free of charge on a walk-in basis Mondays thru Thursdays 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and Fridays 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. at the following Tulsa Health Department locations: James O. Goodwin Health Center located at 5051 S. 129th E. Avenue, Tulsa, OK Central Regional Health Center located at 315 S. Utica, Tulsa, OK Expo Square Health Center located at 4616 E. 15th Street, Tulsa, OK    Those at highest risk for seasonal influenza include: Individuals 65 years of age and older All children 6mos of age through 18 years of age  Pregnant women Anyone with long term health problems with heart, lung, kidney, liver, metabolic or blood disorders Anyone with a weakened immune system Anyone with muscle or nerve disease Anyone 6 mos through 18 years of age on long-term aspirin treatment Health care providers For more information the public can visit the Tulsa Health Department web site at www.tulsa-health.org, call the flu hotline at 918-595-4500 to hear a recorded message, or call 918-582-9355 Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. to visit with a public health professional. The Tulsa Health Department also has a twitter site at www.twitter.com/TulsaHealthDept.    ##Tue, 08 Dec 2009 10:23:00 AM http://www.tulsa-health.org/about-us/media/current-news/?i=2031(Tulsa, OK) Tulsa Health Department officials have now opened their three regional health centers to all children 6 months of age - 18 including children who need a booster vaccination and persons over age 64 who would like to receive a H1N1 vaccine. Other groups served in these weekday H1N1 clinics include pregnant women and individuals with limited mobility.    These groups can receive their H1N1 vaccination on a walk-in basis Mondays - Thursdays 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and Fridays 8:00 a.m - 11:00 a.m. at the following locations. At this time, these three clinic locations are only open to children 6 months of age - 18, pregnant women, persons over age 64 and individuals with limited mobility. James O. Goodwin Health Center located at 5051 S. 129th E. Avenue, Tulsa, OK Central Regional Health Center located at 315 S. Utica, Tulsa, OK Expo Square Health Center located at 4616 E. 15th Street, Tulsa, OK    H1N1 vaccination clinics open to all residents over the age of six months are scheduled as follows:   Thursday, December 3rd from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Tulsa Community College West campus located at 7505 W. 41st Street in Tulsa Saturday, December 12th from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at ORU Mabee Center located at 7777 S. Lewis Avenue in Tulsa Those seeking vaccination are encouraged to: Fill out paperwork ahead of time by downloading a vaccination form and bringing it with you Wear clothing that allows for easy access to the arm for those receiving an injectable vaccination    The Tulsa Health Department also continues to offer school-based vaccination clinics throughout Tulsa County. During school-based clinics, the vaccine is only available to students currently enrolled at the school and faculty members.  Residents outside of Tulsa County are encouraged to check with their local county health department for H1N1 vaccine availability. A listing of H1N1 flu clinics across the state of Oklahoma can be found at http://www.ok.gov/health/pub/H1N1index.html. For more information the public can visit the Tulsa Health Department web site at www.tulsa-health.org, call the flu hotline at 918-595-4500 to hear a recorded message, or call 918-582-9355 Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. to visit with a public health professional. The Tulsa Health Department also has a twitter site at www.twitter.com/TulsaHealthDept.    ##Wed, 02 Dec 2009 11:23:00 AM http://www.tulsa-health.org/about-us/media/current-news/?i=2028(Tulsa, OK) Tulsa Health Department officials continue to expand the accessiblity of the H1N1 vaccine. Demand for the H1N1 vaccine remains high. In order to reach as many residents as possible, the Tulsa Health Department is expanding its three regional clinic locations to include individuals with limited mobility.  "Pregnant women and children continue to be of highest concern. For the last three weeks we have offered three locations every weekday for pregnant women and children under 10 who need to receive a booster vaccination. We now feel we can expand these clinics to include those with limited mobility. We recognize that this is a segment of our community that have not been able to access the vaccine easily." stated Tulsa Health Department Interim Director Reggie Ivey.  In addition to the upcoming walk-in clinics for the general public, pregnant women, individuals with limited mobility, and children under 10 who need to receive a booster vaccination can receive their vaccination on a walk-in basis Mondays - Thursdays 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and Fridays 8:00 a.m - 11:00 a.m. at the following locations. At this time, these three clinic locations are only open to pregnant women, individuals with limited mobility, and children who need a booster vaccination. James O. Goodwin Health Center located at 5051 S. 129th E. Avenue, Tulsa, OK Central Regional Health Center located at 315 S. Utica, Tulsa, OK Expo Square Health Center located at 4616 E. 15th Street, Tulsa, OK    H1N1 vaccination clinics open to residents over the age of six months are scheduled as follows:   Thursday, December 3rd from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Tulsa Community College West campus located at 7505 W. 41st Street in Tulsa Saturday, December 12th from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at ORU Mabee Center located at 7777 S. Lewis Avenue in Tulsa Those seeking vaccination are encouraged to: Fill out paperwork ahead of time by downloading a vaccination form and bringing it with you Wear clothing that allows for easy access to the arm for those receiving an injectable vaccination    The Tulsa Health Department also continues to offer school-based vaccination clinics throughout Tulsa County. During school-based clinics, the vaccine is only available to students currently enrolled at the school and faculty members.  "Although we are now offering the H1N1 vaccine to anyone over six months of age, we continue to focus on pregnant women and children because they account for the highest rates of hospitalization from the H1N1 virus. We are working very hard to make the weekly shipments of vaccine we receive as accessible as possible by scheduling vaccination opportunities in the evening and on Saturday." commented Interim Director Reggie Ivey.  Residents outside of Tulsa County are encouraged to check with their local county health department for H1N1 vaccine availability. A listing of H1N1 flu clinics across the state of Oklahoma can be found at http://www.ok.gov/health/pub/H1N1index.html. For more information the public can visit the Tulsa Health Department web site at www.tulsa-health.org, call the flu hotline at 918-595-4500 to hear a recorded message, or call 918-582-9355 Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. to visit with a public health professional. The Tulsa Health Department also has a twitter site at www.twitter.com/TulsaHealthDept.    ##Mon, 30 Nov 2009 08:56:00 AM