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Governor Stitt joins TSET to highlight historic investment in Oklahoma’s health |
Governor Kevin Stitt joined the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust, health care leaders and grantees in Oklahoma City to highlight a historic investment in Oklahoma’s health and future through nearly $150 million in TSET Legacy Grants.
The press conference marked a key moment as 14 Legacy Grant projects move from award decisions into active implementation across the state. The grants represent the largest single investment in TSET’s history and are designed to strengthen health care infrastructure, expand workforce training, improve access to care and address the root causes of chronic disease in both rural and urban communities.
Stitt emphasized that a strong health care system is critical to Oklahoma’s economic vitality and long-term success. He said the investments will help grow the health care workforce, expand access to cancer care and clinical research, strengthen food systems and improve health outcomes for Oklahomans statewide.
TSET Executive Director Julie Bisbee said the Legacy Grants focus on building durable capacity rather than short-term programs. The initiative invests in long-lasting systems that prevent chronic disease and improve health where people live, work, learn and play.
The Legacy Grant projects span a wide range of priorities, including rural health care access, workforce development, research and innovation, nutrition and community-based prevention. Together, they reflect a strategic, evidence-based approach to improving health outcomes and advancing Oklahoma’s goal of becoming a Top 10 healthiest state.
As grantees begin this next phase of work, the Legacy Grants underscore Oklahoma’s commitment to investing in health today to create stronger communities and better outcomes for generations to come. |
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Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline offers expanded quitting support in February
This February, the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline is offering a limited-time opportunity to help more Oklahomans quit tobacco by doubling the usual amount of free nicotine replacement therapy available to participants. Through Feb. 28, eligible registrants can receive eight weeks of free nicotine patches, gum or lozenges, along with personalized quitting support.
The Helpline, a program of TSET, provides evidence-based services at no cost, including one-on-one coaching by phone, text, email and online tools. Research shows quitting approaches that combine counseling with FDA-approved medications like nicotine replacement therapy can more than triple a person’s chances of successfully quitting compared with quitting without support.
Health professionals, community leaders and partners are encouraged to share this limited-time offer with patients, clients, colleagues and community members who may be considering quitting tobacco. Referrals can make a meaningful difference.
To get started, visit OKhelpline.com, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) or text READY to 34191. |
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Perspective: Julie Bisbee in the Journal Record |
Oklahoma’s adult smoking rate has reached a significant milestone: a record low of 14.1 percent, according to the latest CDC survey. That figure is roughly half of what it was a generation ago, underscoring the impact of sustained tobacco prevention and cessation efforts across the state.
The decline reflects decades of policy changes, community initiatives and expanded tobacco-free environments that have reduced exposure to secondhand smoke and supported more Oklahomans in quitting.
Despite this progress, tobacco use remains a significant health concern in Oklahoma, with smoking still taking thousands of lives each year and youth nicotine use on the rise.
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