Oklahoma State University's announces 2011 certified healthy departments

Friday, April 1, 2011

Oklahoma State University’s Seretean Wellness Center sponsored an initiative to promote wellness and health in campus departments.

The program recognizes departments that already have health-related policies as well as those who choose to implement new policies. The initiative focuses on physical activity programs in the department, mental health, stress management and nutrition.

Qualifying departments include Budget and Asset Management, Career Services, Human Resources, Inclusion Center for Academic Excellence, International Studies and Outreach, the President’s Office, the Student Union, Undergraduate Admissions and University Health Services.

Applications were available January 2011 and due March 1. Every OSU department was eligible to participate and apply. As an ongoing health initiative, certifications will be awarded yearly. Any department that did not qualify this year can apply for the award in January of 2012.

OSU First Lady Ann Hargis works with the Seretean Wellness Center and continues to show her support for campus health.

“Maintaining balance is such an important part of everyday life, and I am so proud of these OSU departments for making health and wellness an important part of campus life,”

Hargis said. “The Certified Healthy Department program shows the value OSU places on living a healthy lifestyle and is just one way we, as a group, are striving to be America’s healthiest campus.”

Certified departments are presented with a framed certificate and the use of a Certified Healthy Department logo. The logo can be used on all department communications.

“Our mission at OSU is to create a healthier campus and a healthier culture for OSU faculty, staff and students,” said Mary Talley, Seretean Wellness Center Manager. “One way is to start with each department and encourage healthy behavior in those areas that will then serve as a role model to the rest of the campus community. We are proud of these departments for making health and wellness a priority and for joining us on the journey as we strive to be America's HEALTHIEST campus."

The OSU Seretean Wellness Center’s mission is to help people achieve a balance of physical and mental health. It supports this mission by housing the Employee Assistance Program, Employee Health Clinic and O-Zone Fitness Center, and by offering a variety of services including nutrition counseling, massage therapy, health risk assessments and many more. For more information about the Certified Healthy Department program, please contact Mary Talley at 405.744.WELL (9355) or mary.talley@okstate.edu.

Pictures available at http://www.flickr.com/photos/ostatenews/sets/72157626282648957/ .