On October 24th, Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett, County Commission Chairman Willa Johnson, County Commissioner Ray Vaughn and other community leaders joined the Oklahoma City-County Health Department OCCHD and Wellness Now in breaking ground on a new Health and Wellness Campus in NE Oklahoma City.
The project represents far more than a new building that will deliver public health services: it marks a major, innovative shift in approach to improving community health. The Wellness Campus will offer a central location for activities aimed at reducing chronic diseases by focusing on programs that encourage people to become leaner, more active, nutritionally aware and health conscious.
“The Health and Wellness Campus has the potential to become a national model for community health improvement,” says OCCHD director Gary Cox. “This will be a center where people will find services to address their current health needs, as well as education and activities that can help to prevent the chronic diseases that have plagued our community.”
Obesity and tobacco use in Oklahoma top the list of contributors to poor health status. Oklahomans suffer some of the highest rates of diabetes and heart disease in the nation as a result. “With help from our partners, we’ll be concentrating on those factors, as well as child and senior health,” Cox says.
The 54 acre Wellness Campus will include clinical services provided by OU Medical Center. The concept will merge primary care with public health and education programs. The Police Athletic League will offer after-school programs for children. The Areawide Aging Agency will provide health and longevity activities for seniors. A community kitchen will be available for cooking and nutrition classes.
Community gardens will be designed to educate children and adults about the value of fresh, local produce and good nutrition. Walking trails around the perimeter of the property along the Deep Fork River will eventually link with Oklahoma City’s master trails network. Youth sports fields are also planned. OCCHD expects to complete initial construction by the fall of 2012.