Oklahoma Public health advocates earn 2021 Champion for Healthy Families Award

OKLAHOMA CITY, Aug. 18, 2021 — Dr. Calin Watt Kirk, Dr. Dwight Sublett and children’s health advocates Ali Dodd and Rebekah Rhoades have been named the recipients of the 2021 Champion for Healthy Families Award by a coalition of healthcare professionals and community members.

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August is National Immunization Awareness Month and the Oklahoma Alliance for Healthy Families is officially recognizing local advocates who work to promote vaccination in our state.

United for Good: Public Service Campaign Encouraged Vaccine to End Pandemic

OKLAHOMA CITY, March 10, 2021 -- The Oklahoma Alliance for Healthy Families (OAHF) announced “United for Good – Vax For Good,” a public service campaign launched to encourage Oklahomans to help end the pandemic by receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. 

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The campaign is being funded thanks to an unprecedented partnership between OAHF, the Chickasaw Nation, the OKC-County Health Department, the Oklahoma State Medical Association, and all four Oklahoma City hospitals, including Integris, Mercy, OU Health and SSM Health St. Anthony. 

Proposed Health Department Rule Would Allow Further Spread of Vaccine Misinformation, Put Kids at Risk

Oklahoma City, Jan. 7, 2021 -- A group of medical professionals and advocates is sounding the alarm about proposed changes to vaccine rules at the Oklahoma State Department of Health. 

The change to administrative rule Title 310, Chapter 535 would remove an educational requirement for parents who want to refuse vaccines for their children, even if the children are enrolled in Oklahoma schools or childcare centers. The education requirement was put in place in 2020, but implementation was delayed due to the pandemic.

Health Care, Child Advocacy Groups Laud Stitt Support for New Vaccine Rules

Oklahoma City, June 26, 2020 - Governor Stitt signed new agency rules yesterday evening, including an upgrade to Oklahoma’s vaccine rules. Health Department Rule 535 will require parents to receive information about vaccines prior to getting a non-medical vaccine exemption for a minor child. 

The rules were passed in an effort to combat misinformation about vaccines frequently shared on social media. 

2020 Champion for Healthy Families Award

Oklahoma City, June 18, 2020  — Senator Greg McCortney, Representative Cynthia Roe and Representative Garry Mize have been chosen to receive the 2020 Champion for Healthy Families Award by a coalition of healthcare professionals and community members. 

“Sen. McCortney, Rep. Roe and Rep. Mize have all been fierce advocates for families in Oklahoma,” said Jacqueline McDaniel executive director of the Oklahoma Alliance for Health Families. “They have a sincere heart for protecting the most vulnerable among us, and we are pleased to present them with this award in recognition of their longstanding service.”

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New Poll Shows Overwhelming Support for Vaccines

Oklahoma City, Okla., Nov. 26, 2019 - Public polling results released today by the Oklahoma Alliance for Healthy Families show 96% of Oklahomans believe vaccines are effective at preventing disease. The statewide telephone poll, conducted of 1,039 Oklahomans from Oct. 15-21 by conservative pollster Chris Wilson, has a margin of error of +/-3. 

The Oklahoma Alliance for Healthy Families is a statewide coalition of public health experts and parents with the goal of improving the health of our schools, communities and families through education and engagement.