Nominations open for Champions of Health awards
N o mi n a t i o n s a r e b e i n g a c c e p t e d t h r o u g h May 2 9 for the 2020 Champions of Health awards. Since 2004, t h e Champions o f Hea l t h awards program has honored those working to positively change the health status of Oklahomans through unique and innovative programs.
From the front-line workers f i ghting t he COVID- 19 pandemic t o t he nonprofit organizations keeping food on the table for those experiencing job loss, organizers are seeking to recognize those making a difference.
There is no cost to submit a nomination. Winners will be recognized at the Champions of Health gala on Sept. 29 at The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City.
Additional details and nomination requirements can be found at championsofhealth. org.
Foundation, Walmart provide learning materials
T h e F o u n d a t i o n f o r Oklahoma City Public Schools and Walmart recently teamed up to deliver distance learning materials to 14,000 students in Oklahoma's largest district. The Foundation purchased s pi r a l notebooks, penci l s , sharpeners, erasers, crayons and highlighters, and Walmart delivered the kits to elementary, middle and high school students within a few weeks.
"I a m g r a t e f u l t o t h e thousands of teachers who reached out to our families one- by- one t o understand their needs and to our partners at t he Foundation f or OKCPS a nd Walmart who i mmediately s t epped i n t o provide these much-needed school supplies," Oklahoma City schools Superintendent Sean McDaniel said in a news release.
Of the district's 46,000 students, 90% live at or below the poverty line.
Oklahoma County cancels jury week in June
Oklahoma County District Court has f urther adjusted its jury trial schedule to limit social distancing by canceling jury week in June and adding j u r y weeks i n August a nd September. The court previously canceled jury weeks i n March, April and May i n response t o t he COVID- 19 crisis.
The additional jury weeks a r e S e p t . 2 1 a n d Aug. 1 7 . District Judge Ray C. Elliott, the court's presiding admini s t r ati ve j udge, s i gned t he orders Tuesday.
YMCA locations in OKC set to reopen
Mos t Y MCA o f Gr e a t e r Oklahoma City locations will reopen on May 4 with some restrictions, the organization announced Wednesday.
"We are taking extra precautions, and we've implemented n e w g u i d e l i n e s t o e n s u r e the health and safety of all those who choose to use our facilities and for our staff," a note t o members s t ated. "Additionally, all members will be required to complete a waiver upon their first visit."
Rockwell Crossing YMCA will remain temporarily closed and Main Street YMCA will have modified hours. For more i nformation visit ymcaokc. org.
Medical center to resume elective surgeries
S o u t h w e s t e r n M e d i c a l Center in Lawton announced Wednesday it is taking steps to resume some elective and nonurgent surgeries and procedures. The decisions about which procedures can safely move forward will be made only after assessing a comprehensive preoperative checklist and evaluating potential risks.
The hospital will i nitially focus on scheduling patients wi t h more t i me- s e n s i t i v e h e a l t h n e e d s a n d t h o s e decisions will be made in partnership with the attending physician. Patients who are scheduled and approved for procedures must meet specific requirements, including passing standard COVID-19 screenings.
Visit SWMConline.com to learn more.
Life.Church donates to state food banks
L i f e . C h u r c h r e c e n t l y donated more than $200,000 in relief grants to food banks and other organizations as part of a l arger COVID- 1 9 response effort. Recipients include Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, Hunger Free O k l a h o m a , T u l s a D r e a m Cente r , Le g a c y Pa r e n t i n g Center , a nd 1 4 l o c a l f o o d pantries.
T o d a t e , L i f e . C h u r c h attenders have given more than $ 800,000 specifically for COVID-19 relief.