OMRF: 70 years of great work

THE Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation celebrates its 70th anniversary Sunday — seven decades of working to make life better for all of us.

OMRF began in 1946 with two people, and today is home to more than 400 doctors, scientists and staff members who study such things as Alzheimer’s disease, autoimmune disorders, cancer and heart disease.

As Adam Cohen, OMRF’s senior vice president and general counsel, noted in The Oklahoman this week, work at the facility has yielded “hundreds of patents and a pair of lifesaving drugs now available in hospitals and clinics around the world.”

Gov. Roy J. Turner led a statewide drive to pay for construction of OMRF in its early days. Other fundraisers were held by doctors, pharmacists, dentists and nurses. The result: $2.25 million in donations from 7,000 Oklahomans.

OMRF continues to receive donations large and small from residents in all corners of Oklahoma who appreciate the work being done at the site south of the Capitol. OMRF President Dr. Stephen Prescott says much has changed in 70 years — but not the mission: “We want to help Oklahomans and people everywhere live longer, healthier lives.”

Oklahoma is fortunate to have OMRF, a true center of excellence. Congratulations on reaching this milestone, and here’s to many more.