Oklahoma's Experts in Physical Education and Health Get New Home in Bethany

    BETHANY, OK, June 22, 2021 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The Children's Center Rehabilitation Hospital has announced the addition of Healthy Schools Oklahoma (HSOK) to the hospital's community outreach programs effective July 1, 2021. The HSOK program is primarily funded through grants, and is designed to increase health knowledge, attitudes and behaviors in students, families and school faculty.

Healthy Schools Oklahoma (HSOK) has been recognized as the only comprehensive, statewide school health program in Oklahoma. The program started in 1997 through the Oklahoma County Medical Society to help combat declining health behaviors. The program focuses on five areas: Physical Activity, Nutrition, Tobacco Use Prevention, Oral Health Education and Injury Prevention. Participating schools receive grant funding, curriculum, training, access to community partners and other health resources.

"The addition of HSOK to our programs, which include Safe Kids Oklahoma and ATV Ride Safe Oklahoma, is a monumental step towards expanding the hospital's efforts in injury prevention and health for children in Oklahoma. We couldn't be more excited to welcome the HSOK team to the hospital," said Nico Gomez, Chief Executive Officer of The Children's Center Rehabilitation Hospital.

HSOK strives to ensure each participating school has access to gold-standard physical education and health programming. In 2017, HSOK developed its own health education curriculum, which is now being taught across the state. Since 1997, HSOK has worked with 112 elementary schools across the state.

"The Healthy Schools Oklahoma Board of Directors is excited to continue its next chapter under the auspices of The Children's Center Rehabilitation Hospital. For 24 years, HSOK has worked to promote health and provide primary prevention strategies to Oklahoma elementary schools. With the hospital's support and leadership, HSOK will continue to grow and make a greater impact on the health of children across the state," said Dr. John Bozalis, Chairman Emeritus.

For more information on the Healthy Schools Oklahoma program, please visit www.healthyschoolsok.org.

About The Children's Center Rehabilitation Hospital: The Children's Center Rehabilitation Hospital is an innovative leader in the field of pediatric rehabilitation and 24-hour complex care. The hospital offers inpatient and outpatient services for children (ages 0-21) and is the only inpatient pediatric rehabilitation facility in Oklahoma. Our CARF accredited multidisciplinary team works with patients and their families to maximize the patient's physical and cognitive potential, and ensure the family has the training and resources needed for a smooth transition from hospital to home.

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