Health Works Forum fosters collaboration to improve health outcomes across Oklahoma

Health Works Forum fosters collaboration to improve health outcomes across Oklahoma

Friday, October 31, 2025

Media Contact: Cody Cramer | Director of Marketing and Communications, OSU-OKC | 405-613-2838 | [email protected]

More than 125 faculty and staff from across the Oklahoma State University System gathered in the Wes Watkins Center for the Health Works: Bridging Knowledge and Action Health Forum.

This inaugural event brought together leaders and students - including OSU Extension, the Human Performance and Nutrition Research Institute, the Department of Wellnessand the Center for Rural Health, amongst others - to explore collaborative approaches that advance health and wellness statewide.

Dr. Jayson Lusk, vice president and dean of OSU Agriculture, served as the welcome speaker, and OSU President Jim Hess delivered the keynote address. Both emphasized the role of collaboration, innovation and outreach in advancing OSU's land-grant mission to improve the quality of life across the state.

"OSU is the people's university," Dr. Hess said. "We exist to serve the state and all Oklahomans. That's not just sentiment. That's our mission. Land-grant universities were built to solve problems for everyday people. That's exactly what you all are doing today."

According to the American College of Sports Medicine's 2025 American Fitness Index, Oklahoma has a tough hill to climb with Oklahoma City ranking dead last - 100 out of 100 - for overall personal health.

Tulsa fared slightly better, but still sits near the bottom at No. 90.

The program included panel discussions, networking sessions and breakout groups centered on improving health literacy, expanding access to care and food, supporting mental health, and reducing preventable disease through coordinated efforts.

"It was an amazing event. It was great to have Extension agents, OSU staff and others together to better understand what they do. This includes youth, to have a greater impact. It starts with the youth," said Jake Vulgamore, El Reno High School senior and 4-H Health Living Ambassador. "If we can educate the youth they can take that knowledge and share that with their peers, families and others to make a difference in their communities."

Throughout the day, participants identified shared priorities and opportunities to reduce duplication of effort across colleges, departments and programs that focus on wellness, nutrition, physical activity and public health.

"Meaningful progress in health starts with connection," said Melenda Knight, HPNRI associate director. "The Health Works Forum created space for collaboration, awareness of existing programs and ideas that can strengthen the health and well-being of communities across Oklahoma."

The Health Works Forum highlighted OSU's commitment to uniting research, outreach and education to create lasting, community-driven solutions.

"Oklahoma faces many preventable health challenges, but meaningful change is possible," said Dr. Deana Hildebrand, professor and associate department head in nutritional sciences and community health program lead for OSU Extension. "Improving our state's health outcomes requires coordinated efforts to address the factors that shape them - such as health literacy, access to affordable nutritious foods, safe spaces for physical activity, access to mental and physical health care, and support for those struggling with substance misuse.

"With the expertise, dedication and partnership of Oklahoma State University and communities statewide, we can make Oklahoma a healthier place to live, work, learn and age."