President's Message

Posted: 7/17/26

Many of you probably saw The Oklahoman article this week highlighting Oklahoma City’s ranking among the least healthy cities in America. While the article is certainly disappointing, it also serves as an important reminder that improving the health of Oklahomans remains one of the greatest opportunities and responsibilities we have as a state.

The good news is that Oklahoma hospitals aren’t standing on the sidelines. We're helping lead the solution.

At the Oklahoma Hospital Association, we often say our mission is "Improving Health and Healthcare in Oklahoma." Those aren't just words. They represent the work we do every day on behalf of our hospitals and the communities they serve.

One of the best examples of that mission is the Foundation for a Healthy Oklahoma.

Through the Foundation, we're investing in healthier communities by developing innovative health programs, securing grant funding, and directing those resources to hospitals and clinics across our state, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

The impact has been extraordinary.

Today, the Foundation manages 17 active grant programs, has generated more than $14.5 million in projected funding for Oklahoma providers, and has increased hospital pass-through funding by an incredible 87-fold since 2022. More than 60 Oklahoma hospitals are benefiting directly from these investments.

Even more importantly, these programs are addressing the chronic diseases that continue to challenge our state. Together with our outstanding partner, TSET, we've expanded tobacco cessation services, increased access to lifesaving lung cancer screenings, supported community health workers, strengthened food-as-medicine initiatives, and helped hospitals combat diabetes, obesity, opioid misuse, and stroke.

The partnership between TSET, the Foundation for a Healthy Oklahoma, and the Oklahoma Hospital Association has been truly transformational. It demonstrates what can happen when organizations come together with a shared vision for a healthier future.

Improving Oklahoma's health won't happen overnight, but I can assure you this: Oklahoma hospitals are leading the way.

Together, we're fulfilling our mission of Improving Health and Healthcare in Oklahoma – not only by providing exceptional care when people need us most, but by investing in healthier communities for all Oklahomans.

President & CEO