Contact: Torri Mathis: torri.mathis@healthcorps.org
(Ada, OK) May 9, 2024 HealthCorps, a national not for profit with programs in Oklahoma, will host a Health Fair for area middle and high school students, and the community, on Thursday May 9th from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at the Chickasaw Wellness Center 230 Seabrook Road, Ada, Oklahoma 74820.
The health fair will include student-led booths by Latta Middle School, such as a Wheel of Fitness, and materials created by students engaged in the HealthCorps program. Latta Public School 6th grade students are creating posters. The posters feature HealthCorps’ four pillars of focus — nutrition, stress, fitness, and community health.
HealthCorps works to eliminate health inequity through innovative school-based approaches that empower teens to make healthy lifestyle choices. The organization has partnered with schools across the Chickasaw Nation region since 2013.
Alongside the student-led booths, community-based organizations will also be in attendance. Community partners will feature activities that include the following: Chickasaw Nation CPR will be providing a hands CPR demonstration; the Pontotoc County Health Department will feature a health trivia game with prizes; Farm to School will host a nutrition activity; Ada Public Library will feature literacy programming; Lighthouse will be feature information on mental health; Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust’s (TSET) Healthy Youth Initiative will provide stress balls and information on the dangers of tobacco; Define Your Direction will include information about their program and cornhole for those attending to play; Delta Dental of Oklahoma Foundation is sponsoring a booth and providing toothbrush kits. Additional partners and activities may be added closer to the event.
“The Health Fair is held to get teens excited about their physical and mental wellbeing,” said Torri Mathis, HealthCorps Regional Program Manager. “During the student-led event they will be exposed to information and activities in a fun and memorable format. Our goal is that students (and faculty) leave with the beginnings of a healthy habit.” Mathis added, “We are incredibly grateful for the support of the Chickasaw Nation, our program and this event would not be possible without them.”
Media is welcome to attend the health fair. Press should check-in at the check-in booth located at the front door of the Chickasaw Wellness Center. Pre-event and post-event interviews with HealthCorps Regional Program Manager, Torri Mathis, can be arranged and photos will be shared.
About HealthCorps
Since its founding in 2003, HealthCorps (www.healthcorps.org), a national 501c3, has addressed health inequities in at-risk communities by educating and empowering teens – encouraging them to become change agents within their family, their school, and their neighborhood.
Believing that limited access to health education can lead to a lifetime of social, emotional, and physical challenges. HealthCorps strives to strengthen teens with innovative approaches to health and wellness, providing today’s youth with the tools to become more physically and mentally resilient through educational programming, leadership experience and service learning.
HealthCorps’ programming is operating in schools and organizations in AZ, CA, TX, OH, OK, PA and NY. The HealthCorps program in Oklahoma is sponsored by the Chickasaw Nation.