Now Open: Three TSET Grant Opportunities to Support Healthier Communities

Three new grant opportunities are now open to help communities reduce tobacco use and increase physical activity. From Sept. 23 - Nov. 18, eligible organizations across Oklahoma can apply for funding to support community efforts that make it easier for people to be active, live tobacco free, and build healthier places to live, learn and play.

TSET Built Environment Grants – Physical Activity Tracks

Supports planning, design and construction projects that expand access to safe, active public spaces.
Available funding: Construction grants up to $300,000; planning and design grants up to $150,000
Eligible applicants: Public entities, tribal nations, school districts, nonprofits and other eligible organizations in all 77 counties
Key activities may include:

Sidewalks, trails and ADA-compliant walkways
Parks, splash pads, playgrounds or outdoor fitness zones
Downtown improvements that promote walkability
Shade structures and other amenities that support sustained use

TAG: Tobacco 21

Supports local efforts to reduce youth access to tobacco by strengthening compliance and awareness of the federal Tobacco 21 law.
Available funding: Up to $30,000 per year for up to 3 years
Eligible applicants: Nonprofits, local governments, tribal nations, schools and other public entities in these 32 counties
Key activities may include:

Assessing local tobacco retail environments
Educating retailers and the public on Tobacco 21 laws
Supporting adoption and enforcement of local ordinances
Enhancing tobacco compliance checks and outreach

TAG: Physical Activity

Funds community-based programs that increase physical activity through group activities, social support and use of shared public spaces.
Available funding: Up to $100,000 per year for up to 3 years
Eligible applicants: Nonprofits, local governments, tribal nations, schools and other public entities in these 32 counties
Key activities may include:

Walking clubs or group fitness programs
Community use of indoor and outdoor spaces
Equipment purchases or infrastructure assessments
Outreach and education to support participation

Increasing physical activity and reducing youth access to tobacco are critical to improving Oklahoma’s health outcomes. These grants offer communities tools to create supportive environments, reduce chronic disease risk and build healthier futures. Local leadership plays a vital role in identifying needs and implementing projects that make daily healthy choices easier for residents of all ages.

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TSET Board Passes Resolutions Supporting Active Living and Celebrating 25 Years of Impact

Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva used the funds to build pickleball, tennis and basketball courts.

At its September meeting, the TSET Board of Directors passed two key resolutions focused on improving long-term health outcomes across Oklahoma.

The first resolution reinforces TSET’s commitment to supporting environments and policies that increase physical activity. With fewer than one in three Oklahomans meeting recommended activity levels, the board called for a coordinated effort to expand opportunities to move more in daily life — especially in schools, neighborhoods, early care settings and senior centers.

The resolution encourages action at both local and state levels, including improvements to parks and sidewalks, stronger physical education requirements, increased recess time and broader community access to school facilities. It also highlights the need to integrate physical activity into healthcare screenings and statewide public education campaigns.

“Most people want to be active, but their neighborhoods, schools or schedules don’t always make it easy,” said Board Chair Ken Rowe. “We’re working to change that.”

TSET’s second resolution marks a quarter century of progress since Oklahoma voters approved the creation of the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust in 2000. The resolution honors the vision of voters and the legacy of health improvement funded through the trust’s earnings.

Over the last 25 years, TSET has supported a wide range of programs and partnerships, including the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline, the Physician Loan Repayment Program, cancer research at Stephenson Cancer Center and local wellness efforts through the Healthy Incentive Grant program. TSET’s work now reaches communities in every corner of the state and helps counter the $149 million tobacco companies spend annually on marketing in Oklahoma.

“Oklahoma did something no other state did — we protected the settlement in a constitutionally protected trust,” said Rowe. “That decision continues to pay dividends.”

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Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline Expands Free Services in October

Throughout the month of October, the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline is offering at least eight weeks of free patches, gum or lozenges all who enroll in Helpline services — doubling the standard four-week supply.

The Helpline remains a proven, evidence-based resource in Oklahoma’s ongoing effort to reduce tobacco use. With personalized quit plans, coaching via phone, text and email, and live group sessions, the Helpline helps users build the skills and confidence needed for long-term success. When combined with NRT, these services more than double the likelihood that someone will quit tobacco for good.

“Tobacco remains the leading preventable cause of death in Oklahoma,” said Julie Bisbee, TSET executive director. “By increasing access to quit resources, we’re making it easier for Oklahomans to take that first step toward better health.”

Community leaders, healthcare providers and public health professionals are encouraged to share this opportunity widely

Together, we can strengthen Oklahoma’s health outcomes — one quit attempt at a time.

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Perspective: Julie Bisbee in the Journal Record

This month in the Journal Record, Julie Bisbee highlights a critical issue: nearly 1 in 3 youth in Oklahoma are overweight or obese. As families adjust to the new school year, it's a reminder that health and learning go hand in hand—and that building lifelong habits starts early.

Bisbee points to small, practical steps families and schools can take, like encouraging water over sugary drinks, daily physical activity and good sleep. She also emphasizes the importance of supportive, nonjudgmental conversations around health. Creating a culture of wellness now helps ensure stronger, healthier adults in the years to come.

Meet the Staff: Natalia Arbelaez

Natalia Arbelaez is the Communication Strategist for TSET. Prior to joining TSET, Arbelaez worked for the Oklahoma Office of Workforce Development as a Program Manager for the Apprenticeship program, where she spearheaded communication and educational initiatives to grow the program. She also served as a Senior Business Coach at the Latino Economic Development Center in Washington, D.C., where she guided aspiring entrepreneurs in transforming their ideas into successful businesses through strategic business and marketing plans. Arbelaez has a Bachelor Degree in Business from Colegio de Estudios Superiores de Administracion in Bogota, Colombia.

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