OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma State Department of Health is accepting applications for the 2026 Certified Healthy Oklahoma Program, a statewide initiative that recognizes businesses, schools and communities working to improve health and wellness across the state.
The free program highlights organizations taking steps to help Oklahomans eat healthier, become more physically active and avoid tobacco use. Applications must be submitted by the close of business on Nov. 1, 2026, to be considered for certification.
“Businesses, schools and communities have an important role to play in creating healthier places to live, work and thrive,” said Karin Leimbach, OSDH state program coordinator. “Certified Healthy gives them an opportunity to be recognized for the steps they’re already taking and their commitment to building a healthier future.”
Statewide Program Focuses on Healthier Environments
Certified Healthy Oklahoma was launched in 2003 and operates as a collaboration involving the Oklahoma State Department of Health, the Oklahoma Academy, Oklahoma Turning Point Council and the State Chamber of Oklahoma.
The program is designed to encourage organizations across Oklahoma to adopt practices and policies that support healthier environments. Rather than focusing solely on individual health choices, the initiative recognizes the role that workplaces, educational institutions and communities can play in making healthy choices more accessible.
Organizations can seek certification in three categories: Business, Community and School. Each category provides an opportunity for participants to demonstrate the steps they are taking to promote healthier lifestyles among employees, students, residents and other people they serve.
The program offers three certification levels — Basic, Merit and Excellence — allowing applicants to be recognized according to the extent of their health-focused practices and initiatives.
Applicants Assessed on Health and Wellness Efforts
Organizations applying for Certified Healthy Oklahoma undergo an assessment designed to determine how effectively they support health within their respective environments.
The process also helps participants identify additional resources and evidence-based strategies that can strengthen existing programs and support further improvements. These resources are intended to help organizations build on measures they have already introduced while identifying additional opportunities to promote healthier behaviors.
Program participants receive their certification immediately following submission of their application, according to the Oklahoma State Department of Health.
The certification framework can cover a range of organizational efforts connected with nutrition, physical activity and tobacco prevention. By providing formal recognition, the initiative aims to encourage organizations to maintain and expand practices that contribute to healthier workplaces, schools and communities.
Nearly 1,500 Organizations Applied in 2025
Certified Healthy Oklahoma continues to attract participation from organizations throughout the state. Nearly 1,500 Oklahoma businesses and organizations applied for certification through the program in 2025.
That level of participation reflects the program’s broad reach across different types of institutions and communities. Businesses can use the certification process to assess workplace wellness practices, while schools can evaluate efforts aimed at creating healthier environments for students and staff. Communities can similarly examine policies and programs designed to support residents’ health.
The initiative also provides participating organizations with a structured way to measure their existing health-related efforts and identify areas where additional action may be beneficial.
For Oklahoma employers and other organizations, health-focused policies can form part of broader efforts to support employee well-being and create healthier working environments. Schools and local communities can use similar strategies to encourage physical activity, healthier food choices and tobacco-free spaces.
With the 2026 application period underway, businesses, schools and communities interested in participating have until Nov. 1 to complete the certification process. The program remains free to applicants, continuing its focus on recognizing organizations that are taking practical steps toward healthier environments across Oklahoma.
