Oklahoma Certified Healthy Communities Act (SB1818) Summary

• Creates a voluntary state certification program administered by the State Department of Health to recognize communities that promote wellness and healthy behaviors through safe and supportive environments

• Establishes the Oklahoma Healthy Communities Advisory Committee composed of representatives from nonprofit organizations, community health organizations, and business groups to develop certification criteria

• Develops certification criteria including social host policies, infrastructure improvements (sidewalks, trails, bike lanes), parks and recreation, community gardens, farmers' markets, health services, mental health services, and energy-efficient housing

• Implements three-tier certification levels (Basic, Merit, and Excellence) based on an online scoring system that communities complete to assess their wellness initiatives

• Requires the State Board of Health to promulgate rules for program implementation and establishes effective date of November 1, 2010