Oklahoma Caring Foundation Develops Five Year Strategic Plan, 2017-2021In August, the Oklahoma Caring Foundation (OCF) board and staff held a strategic planning session in Oklahoma City to plan for the next five years. At the meeting, the board and staff reviewed OCF’s mission, vision statement, core values, and developed five long range strategic goals. Our 2017-2021 goals include strengthening the effectiveness of preventive health services, maintaining and enhancing community partnerships, increasing financial self-sufficiency, developing our brand and investing in technology. By achieving these goals, OCF will continue to provide the most effective access to preventive health services and create a healthier lifestyle for all Oklahomans. Please watch for updates on our strategic plan throughout 2017.

OCF Introduces New LeadersAt the end of June, OCF bid a fond farewell to former executive director, Paula Huck, who retired after more than five years of service.

Brooke Townsend, who managed OCF’s programs for the past decade, was named Huck’s successor, assuming the role of executive director on June 27. In her previous position, Townsend led the implementation of a bold strategic plan that resulted in doubling the number of Oklahoma Caring Vans from four to eight. Under her leadership, OCF forged relationships with numerous public health partners, including tribal nations, state agencies, and other nonprofits throughout the state. Townsend is an Oklahoma City native who serves on a variety of boards and coalitions in central Oklahoma.

Following Townsend’s promotion, OCF welcomed Amy Pulliam as its new program manager. Pulliam comes to OCF after three years as a communications consultant in Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma’s public relations department. Pulliam’s communications expertise is combined with knowledge of the Oklahoma nonprofit community. Prior to joining BCBSOK, she served as the director of volunteers at Hospice of Green Country. “I am honored to join the OCF staff, and I look forward to furthering our mission of providing access to preventive health services in our communities,” Pulliam said. “Our team will continue to work toward improving the health of Oklahomans one child at a time.”

For friends of The Oklahoma Caring Foundation, Inc.

oklahomacaringfoundation.org

Spring 2017

1

Townsend (left) and Pulliam (right) assume new leadership roles.

2/10/17 10:41 AM

2 THE CARING CONNECTION

Rob Lowe Headlines 2016 Champions of Health Gala

On Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2016, more than 500 people attended the 13th annual Champions of Health gala, held at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, where six outstanding programs were honored for their work toward building a healthy future for our state. The inspirational night was concluded by keynote speaker Rob Lowe, actor and author, who participated in a candid 30-minute question-and-answer session.

Veterans Corner in Newcastle, OK, took home the evening’s

highest honor, the Dr. Rodney L. Huey Memorial Champion of Oklahoma Health award, for helping veterans navigate the complicated process of obtaining services through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs system. Other winners included Hearts for Hearing, Champion of Children’s Health; Crossings Community Clinic, Champion of the Uninsured; Sunbeam Family Services, Champion of Senior Health; Hospitality House of Tulsa, Community Health Champion; and OU Fit, Corporate Health Champion.

Lowe discussed a wide range of topics, including his acting career, being sober in Hollywood, and how he stays active and healthy while balancing home and work life. Lowe shared that he uses the challenges he has overcome in his life as a platform to give back and how cancer has impacted him and his family, including his mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, all of whom battled breast cancer. His optimism was apparent when he discussed how illness and aging is a reminder to make the most of today.

Fundraising was led by a 49-member gala committee, chaired by Dave and Lana Lopez. Since 2004, the Champions of Health gala has raised over $1,000,000 in event sponsorships, enabling OCF to conduct nearly 5,000 immunization clinics and meet the needs of children across the state of Oklahoma.

Thank you for your support. Stay tuned for 2017 sponsorship and ticket information!

Keynote speaker Rob Lowe poses with BCBSOK President, Ted Haynes and his wife Shiela and dinner co-chairs, Dave and Lana Lopez, at the 2016 Champions of Health Gala.

2/10/17 10:41 AM

Spring 2017 3

Staff Spotlight: Maria MartinezThe Oklahoma Caring Foundation welcomed Maria Martinez as a Caring Van specialist to our Oklahoma City office in the fall of 2016. Before joining the OCF team, Maria worked for a cardiologist with Integris Health Systems. “I am so excited to work for a non-profit and know that I am part of a team that is making a difference in communities all across Oklahoma,” said Maria, who is a bilingual Spanish speaker. Maria has lived in Oklahoma City for 19 years and enjoys spending time with her husband and her three children Alejandra, Adrianna and Cesar.

Partner Spotlight: Okmulgee Primary School Health Initiative Receives Statewide RecognitionOkmulgee Primary Schools’ Boots & Badges program is being honored by the Oklahoma Turning Point Council (OTPC) as a 2016 OTPC Community Champion. Last year, Boots & Badges invited local firefighters, police officers, emergency management personnel, and public health representatives to the school to talk with kindergarten through third grade students about the importance of healthy choices. The initiative was part of a school wellness project supported by the Oklahoma Caring Foundation. Congratulations to our partners at Okmulgee Primary School and the entire community of Okmulgee for joining forces to improve the health of the next generation!

Partner Spotlight: Community Action AgencyThe Oklahoma Caring Foundation began working with the Community Action Agency (CAA) in 2001. CAA operates Head Start programs in central Oklahoma.

Today there are 32 Head Start Centers providing services to nearly 2,000 children in Oklahoma County. Head Start is a developmental program to identify and meet the individual needs of income eligible children and their families.

The Oklahoma Caring Van program partners with Head Starts to administer immunizations, including flu shots, and body mass index screenings.

Our staff enjoys working with CAA to offer these preventive services year round because at CAA they “care about the entire community.”

4 THE CARING CONNECTION

Donor Spotlight: The Oklahoma Caring Foundation depends on the generous support of individuals, businesses, and charitable foundations to keep the Oklahoma Caring Vans on the road providing immunizations to thousands of children each year. We extend our heartfelt thanks to each and every person and organization that helps support our services throughout the state of Oklahoma. We would also like to share a little more about two of our long-time supporters.

Kirkpatrick Family FundThe Kirkpatrick Family Fund is a private, family foundation located in Oklahoma City whose mission is to invest in ideas and leadership that contribute to and advance the cultural, intellectual, and social interest of the communities they support. The Kirkpatrick Family Fund has supported the mission of the Oklahoma Caring Foundation since 2004 through their project grants program. Their support has allowed the Oklahoma City-based Caring Vans to continue providing life-saving vaccines to children throughout central Oklahoma.

Again this year, OCF is honored to benefit from the generosity of the Kirkpatrick Family Fund. They continue to support organizations working to enrich the lives of those in our community.

American Fidelity Foundation For more than a decade, the American Fidelity Foundation has supported the statewide effort of the Oklahoma Caring Foundation to improve the lives our citizens. The foundation was created to continue the legacy and vision of C.B. and C.W. Cameron, the founders of American Fidelity Assurance Company. The foundation’s mission is to provide increased financial resources, and to compliment other civic involvement by American Fidelity companies and employees.

We are grateful to be an ally with the American Fidelity Foundation, who has provided matching gifts to OCF and has been a sponsor of our annual Champions of Health gala. Their support allows us to work together to advance the lives of Oklahoman’s in every corner of our state.

Donate to the Oklahoma Caring Foundation, Inc.

Funding OpportunitiesContact our Development Coordinator, Emily Bolusky at emily_bolusky@hcsc.netor 918-551-3403.

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5Spring 2017

Oklahoma Caring Foundation Receives Rural Health Grant to Benefit Southwest Caring VanThe Southwest Oklahoma Caring Van is a valued resource for children and adults seeking to lead healthier lives. Since March of 2015, the Southwest Oklahoma Caring Van, which is coordinated by the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH), has performed services ranging from childhood immunizations delivered at area schools to blood pressure checks at senior citizen’s centers, all with the goal of empowering individuals to enjoy the benefits of good health.

In early 2016, the Oklahoma Caring Foundation received a $10,000 grant from the Carolyn Watson Rural Oklahoma Community Foundation to deliver preventive oral health services in a six-county area in southwest Oklahoma. OCF will administer the grant in partnership with OSDH and county health departments that serve the participating counties. In June of 2016, the van began to focus on oral health as the staff presented dental education lessons at seven Comanche County child care

centers. In 2017, the team plans to build on that work by providing fluoride varnishes that protect against tooth decay.

Brandie O’Connor, regional director for public health departments in Comanche, Kiowa, Caddo, and Cotton Counties, explained what the grant means for children in southwest Oklahoma. “The American Public Health Association released a policy statement in 2008 recommending that in addition to promoting fluoridated water and fluoridated toothpaste, fluoride varnish programs should be established or expanded to reach underserved populations at high-risk of tooth decay. The counties we are targeting with this grant have limited access to dental providers. With the budget crisis we are facing in Oklahoma, this grant will allow us to provide critical prevention services to children in rural southwest Oklahoma who may not have access otherwise,” O’Connor said.

Public health nurse Sarah Whittington coordinates the work of the Southwest Oklahoma Caring Van.

In Memoriam

MARIE BROOKS By Pam Milleson

IMOGENE BUTTS By Pam Milleson

CHIP EDMUNDS By Jeanette Gamba By Law Offices of Kerr, Irvine, Rhodes & Ables

VICKI LYNN HAMILTON By Pam Milleson

RODNEY L. HUEY, M.D. By Linda Huey

JEAN KELLY By Janet Crawford By Pam Milleson By Jan Poe

RONNA KING By Donald King

SCOTT KING By Donald King

KAREN KNUTSON By Brett and Lisa Barrowman

BRICE MILLESON By Pam Milleson

CHARLES AND GRACIE MITCHELL By Jon and Norma McQuary

In Honor of

KATHY CAREY By Brett and Lisa Barrowman

PETER AND KAREN CUMMINS By Brett and Lisa Barrowman

DENNIS AND JUDY DESLAURIERS By Brett and Lisa Barrowman

IVY AND BRAD GRIFFEY By Adrienne Teague

PAULA HUCK By Jeanette Gamba

WALTER AND CHRISTY JOHNSON By Brett and Lisa Barrowman

VAN AND PAULA JONES By Brett and Lisa Barrowman

GENE AND ALICE LITTEKEN By Brett and Lisa Barrowman

JOHN AND CINDY PETREE By Brett and Lisa Barrowman

BOB AND BETSY THORPE By Brett and Lisa Barrowman

BROOKE TOWNSEND By Brett and Lisa Barrowman

HERB AND SACHI TOWNSEND By Brett and Lisa Barrowman

Businesses

Accel Financial

AmazonSmile

American Fidelity

BancFirst

Bank of Oklahoma

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma

GateHouse Media, LLC

Group Service Employees Federal Credit Union

Health Care Service Corporation

Hillcrest Healthcare System

INTEGRIS

Ihloff Properties, LLC

Jason’s Deli

The Journal Record

K-Bar Ranch/Ron and Janice King

Kerr, Irvine, Rhodes & Ables

Moroch

Plexus Groupe Oklahoma City

Quality Care Child Development Center

Schnake Turnbo Frank PR

Senior Star

Union Pacific

Valliance Bank

Civic and Professional OrganizationsBlue Corps

Oklahoma Dental Association

Oklahoma Hospital Association

Oklahoma Osteopathic Association

Oklahoma State Medical Association

State Chamber of Oklahoma

Combined Federal Campaigns

Central Oklahoma CFC

Green Country CFC

Educational InstitutionsOSU Center for

Health Sciences

OU Medical System

OU Physicians

Tulsa Community College

FoundationsAnne and Henry

Zarrow Foundation

Carolyn Watson Rural Oklahoma Community Foundation

E.L. and Thelma Gaylord Foundation

George Kaiser Family Foundation

H.A. and Mary K. Chapman Charitable Trust

Herman Kaiser Foundation

Hille Foundation

Inasmuch Foundation

Kerr Foundation

Kirkpatrick Family Foundation

Meinders Foundation

Michael and Elizabeth Johnson Family Foundation

Oklahoma City Community Foundation

Ruth Nelson Family Foundation

Wegener Foundation, Inc.

Government and Tribal OrganizationsCherokee Nation

Businesses

Chickasaw Nation

Choctaw Nation

Oklahoma State Department of Health

Southern Plains Tribal Health Board

Nonprofit OrganizationsCrossings

Community Clinic, Inc

D-DENT

Ministries of Jesus

New Heights Church of Owasso, Inc.

Partners in Public Health Foundation

Veterans Corner, Inc.

IndividualsDiana Abbott

Charlene Abel

Eve Adams

Buky Adio

Leslie Adkins

Kandise Alter

Nicole Amend

Ramona Applegate

Denise Arnold

Sherri Asberry

Sallye Atkins

Barbara Azar

Jennifer Bailey

Karen Bailey

Sherry Baker

Cimone Ballenger

Barbara Barb

Cathy Barlow

Kerin Barngrover

Brett and Lisa Barrowman

Dusti Barton

Marsha Barton

Kristin Bearden

Robin Beasler

Margarett Beeker

Ellen Beers

Jeanette Bell

Linda Berlin

Steve Berry

Wendy Binkley

Beverly Binkowski

Carol Bird

Leah Blan

Emily Bolusky

April Bowman

John Bozalis

Dennet Brecheen

Lisa Brewer

Jane Ann Brock

Tashata Brooks

Bobby Brown

Valerie Brown

Jason Brown

Stephanie Brown

Shirley Bruce

Patti Burnette

Cherie Calico

David Calvin

Andrea Cantrel

Shannon Capetillo

M. Katheryn Carey

Janet Carpenter

Mary Carter

Sharon Cazenave

Jason Chambers

Debbie Chastain

Vicki Claiborne

Maryann Clem

Roxie Coburn

Lora Cocklin

Stephen Comtois

Melissa Cook

Janet Crawford

Jeannette Crawford

Joanne Criner

Jeanne Criss

Kelly Crowder

Joseph Cunningham

Kelly Darity

Greg Davis

Adriana De La Torre

Gina Delcour

6

2016 Tribute gifts and donors

Tina Demos

Lauren Dennison

Ellen Devereux

Janice Dietrich

Brenda Dillman

Kelli Dokos

Lindsey Downs

Cynthia Driver

Dana Durasso

Heather Edwards

Alicia Ferguson

Linda Firor

Rashida Forbes

Melissa Foster

Kari Fry

Michael Frye

Mitzi Fullingim

Jeanette Gamba

Deep Ganguly

Cassandra Glaspie

Pamela Gray

Raina Green

Ivy Griffey

Stephania Grober

Sheng Grogan

Bobbie Gwinn

Lucas Haines

Margo Ham

Alysia Hamilton

Nova Hammersley

Dana Hammett

Leigh Ann Hancock

Judith Hancock

Crystal Hanshaw

Mica Harding

Lisa Harms

Damien Hartzell

Leslie Hayes

Ted and Shiela Haynes

Naomi Hays

Pamela Hedman

James Hendricks

Curtis Hendrix II

Douglas Hess

Tammy Hinkle

Lynn Hodges

Amy Holland

Kevin Holmes

Dustin Holt

Laura Hottel

Tiffany Howell

Paula Huck

Linda Huey

Pattie Hulsey

Suzanne Hunsberger

Cynthia Hurst

Janis Husted

Stephanie Hutchison

Lorraine Igarta

Karen Jackson

Melanie Jackson

Rebecca Jackson

Dana James

Calese Jefferson

Christine Jenen

Sue Jenkins

Rodrick Johns

Angela Johnson

Cathy Johnson

Donna Johnson

Travis Johnson

Mychelle Johnson

Sandy Jones

Richard Kelly

Laura Kenny

Susan Kent

Dianne and Lou Gasbarra

Kerri Gross

Rosalyn Kimble

Terrence Kimmel

Ron and Janice King

Donald King

Jenny Koetter

Brandi Kolarik

Kristin Koontz

Juliana Kraft

Janis Lacy

Ken Land

Jaime Lane

Penny Lane

Shalonda Langston

Katina Latimer

Steven Law

Ann Lein

Todd Lindsey

Ashleigh Lindsey

Terri Locken

Denise Loeza

Katie Logan

Lizabeth Londono

Suzanne Loomis

David Lopez

Clarissa Lott

Jessica Lozano

Jan Lyon

Andrew Maddox

Carol Malik

Harvie Martin

Shanon Martin

Keryl Mason

Monicka McClellan

Joe’L McConnell

George McDonough

Sandra McKee

Mary McMaster

Waleska McQuarters

John and Norma McQuary

Kathy Medford

Mercedes Millberry Fowler

Jean Miller

Kimberly Miller

Ryean Miller

Natacia Miller

Pamela Milleson

Vanessa Mitchell

Marisha Moore

Kymberly Morella

Linea Morrell

Karen Muilenburg

Debra Murray

Lucinda Myers

Tona Nepote

Mark Niles

Lisa Niles

Patricia Oldham

Elaine Olzawski

Suzie Omstead

Wendi Opitz

Katrina Ormsby

Rebecca Patterson

Chandra Payne

Donna Payne

Khristi Peabody

Damon Pennington

J.T. Petherick

Jan Poe

Caitlin Pond

Tonya Powell

Angela Powell

Suzette Pratt

Dena Pride

Amy Pulliam

Angela Qualls

David Rainbolt

Donna Rankin

Richard Rawls

Karen Reasons

Patricia Rees

Debbie Reinauer

Julie Rethmeyer

Sheila Rice

Charmaine Riley

Patricia Rizzatto

Debra Roberts

Miriam Robinette

Emily Rodriguez

Latreshia Roebuck

Paula Root

Hipolito Ruiz

Teresa Rutledge

Yessenia Sanchez

Toya Scarborough

Denice Schneider

Melissa Scyffore

Rosie Seagraves

Karla Shaffer

Karen Sherwood

Danielle Shultz

Daphne Sills-King

Jim Sires

Brian Sittler

Georgetta Skaggs

Kathy Skorvaga

Amy Smith

Mandy Smith

Cherie Smith

Matthew Smith

Tiffaney Snyder

Lynn Squier

Amanda Stallings

James Stansell

Roberta Stapleton

Tracy Starks

Terry Steele

Melanie Stevens

Catherine Steward

Christina Stites

Valerie Stockton

Anne Stroud

Mary Swentowsky

Christi Switzer

Karen Ann Talley

Adrienne Teauge

Gail Tedder

Brandy Thomas

Vicki Town

Brooke Townsend

Bridget Treadwell

Patsy Trickel

Jackie Trotter

Bruce Troy

Jennifer Tyler

Pam VanMeter

Tammie Vargo

Cynthia Vu

Kammie Wagerle

Celeste Wagnon

Christy Walker

Jennifer Walker

Deidre Walker

Kristen Walters

Linda Warford

Lisa Wassom

Mary Jo Watkins

Janet Watson

Ruby Watson

Bobette Wells

Amy Whitaker

David Whitetree

Elaine Whitman

Don Wilber

John Wilkinson

Camela Williams

Charles Williams

James Wilson

Debbie Wilson

Lauren Worley

Lydia Wrany

Amy Yeldell

Sunshine Leadership ClubNicole Amend

Sallye Anne Atkins

Cimone Ballenger

Brett and Lisa Barrowman

Kristin Bearden

Robin Beasler

Margarett Beeker

Steve Berry

Beverly Binkowski

Emily Bolusky

Bobby Brown

Jason Brown

Shirley Bruce

Martha Burger

Mary Carter

Lora Cocklin

Kelly Crowder

Brenda Dillman

Kelli Dokos

Melissa Foster

Michael Frye

Jeanette Gamba

Dianne and Lou Gasbarra

Pamela Gray

Ivy Griffey

Stephania Grober

Sheng Grogan

Nova Hammersley

7

2/10/17 10:41 AM

NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDTULSA, OK

PERMIT NO. 2146

The Oklahoma Caring Foundation. Inc. is a non-profit organization administered as an in kind gift by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma, a Division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company. These companies are independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. 604931.0117

Board of Directors

M. Ted Haynes, ChairBrooke Townsend, Executive Director

Beverly BinkowskiJoseph Cunningham, MD

Jeanette GambaStephania Grober

Steve GrossiRick Kelly

Meg SalyerDon Wilber, MD

Council of Advisors

Martha BurgerDr. Dianne Gasbarra

Paula HuckMichael Johnson

Laura KennyRon King

Dave Lopez Mary Mélon

Dr. Marc MilstenLeslie Paris

Dr. John PhillipsDr. John Schumann

Dr. Sarah-Anne SchumannDr. Kayse ShrumDr. Gary Raskob

Dr. Gary Trennepohl

Staff

Brooke Townsend, Executive DirectorAmy Pulliam, Manager

Barbara AzarEmily Bolusky

Ivy GriffeyJenny Koetter

Jamie KucinskiMaria MartinezAndrea Oguinn

Tina Pyeatt

1400 S. Boston Ave.Tulsa, OK 74119

Leigh Ann Hancock

Ted and Shiela Haynes

Kevin Holmes

Laura Hottel

Paula Huck

Linda Huey

Karen Jackson

Sue Jenkins

Donna Johnson

Travis Johnson

Richard Kelly

Donald King

Ron and Janice King

Jenny Koetter

Shalonda Langston

Dave and Lana Lopez

Jan Lyon

Harvie Martin

Sandra McKee

Mercedes Millberry

Fowler

Marisha Moore

Debra Murray

Lisa Niles

Elaine Olzawski

J.T. Petherick

Tonya Powell

Dena Pride

Amy Pulliam

David Rainbolt

Debbie Reinauer

Charmaine Riley

Paula Root

Denice Schneider

Rosalee Seagraves

Jim Sires

Mandy Smith

Brooke Townsend

Bruce Troy

Cynthia Vu

Janet Watson

We apologize for any errors or omissions.