Chickasaw Nation, Gov. Anoatubby recognized by health and wellness nonprofit partner HealthCorps

This article appeared in the October 2021 edition of the Chickasaw Times

NEW YORK - HealthCorps®, a national nonprofit organization that addresses health inequities in at-risk communities by educating and empowering teens, honored Governor Bill Anoatubby during the organization’s annual benefit.

Gov. Anoatubby was honored for his contributions toward the well-being of America’s youth. The benefit event was Sept. 13.

“HealthCorps and the Chickasaw Nation are aligned in their commitment to health and wellness,” Gov. Anoatubby said. “We have been active partners throughout the Chickasaw Nation since 2013. We have accomplished a great deal together and look forward to achieving much more.”

In 2013, HealthCorps partnered with the Chickasaw Nation to bring its innovative in-school health and wellness program to two Chickasaw Nation high schools, Ada and Ardmore. Today that partnership has expanded to five schools across Chickasaw country.

The “Rendezvous at the Zoo” conducted this year at the Central Park Zoo in New York celebrated and supported the resilience of the HealthCorps communities and the inspiring activism of today’s teens. All funds raised at the event support HealthCorps curriculum and programming, which will reach 241,000 youth in the upcoming school year.

The HealthCorps curriculum includes skills in fitness, nutrition and mental resilience. Funding from this event support the continued expansion of HealthCorps’ educational programming, including Teens Make Health Happen, a new program to create youth change makers and healthier communities.

Dr. Mehmet Oz, HealthCorps chairman, cardiothoracic surgeon and Daytime Emmy Award-winning host of the “The Dr. Oz Show,” and his wife Lisa co-hosted the event. They were joined by supporters including influencers and opinion leaders in health and wellness, celebrities, athletes, entrepreneurs, and business leaders.

“Governor Anoatubby and the Chickasaw Nation have been incredible partners of HealthCorps,” Dr. Oz said, “I remember our meeting nearly a decade ago when he insisted that we bring the program to schools in the Chickasaw Nation. He understood our value and our vision. We could not ask for a more engaged partner, faculty or students.”

The outdoor event included a “health fair” reception which featured food and HealthCorps programming. The program included remarks from Gov. Anoatubby and other honorees.

Guests were treated to special performances by Tony Award nominees Derek Klena and Kate Baldwin.