Wellness volunteer program offered

The OSU Cooperative Extension Service is accepting applications for the Extension Master Wellness Volunteer Program for 2019.

“If you want to give back to the community, live a healthier lifestyle and help others do the same, learn research based health and wellness facts, meet new people and network with others, then this volunteer program is for you,” said LaDonna Hines, Oklahoma County OSU Extension director.

The Master Wellness Volunteer training program is a series of five classes that will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 12, 19 and 26 and March 5 and 12 at the OSU Extension Center, 2500 NE 63.

“This will be the third year OSU Extension is offering this volunteer program,” said Taylor Conner, Oklahoma County Family and Consumer Sciences educator and registered dietitian. The program will teach participants simple strategies to improve their own health and the health of others in their community.

Enrollment is limited, and the deadline to enroll is Jan. 18. The training will provide 40 hours of classroom education from the Oklahoma County Family and Consumer Sciences educators. Upon completion of training, the certified volunteers agree to give back 40 hours of service to the community as an OSU Extension Master Wellness Volunteer.

The Master Wellness Volunteers will find diverse opportunities throughout the year in which to use their training such as assistingFamily and Consumer Sciences educators with health fairs, giving health and wellness presentations, tai chi instructors, farmer market food demonstrations and many more.

Final selection of participants will be made from applications and interviews. To apply, go to oces.okstate.edu/oklahoma and click on “Master Wellness Volunteer Training.” If accepted into the program, there will be a $50 fee.