Showing posts with label Health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Health. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 03, 2025

Shaw launches 'Save Oklahoma Plan', pledges $100k for grassroots agenda

Freshman State Rep. Jim Shaw (R-Chandler) is a conservative warrior, unafraid to stand up and fight against long odds. In his first term in the Legislature, he's been about government transparency and accountability, protecting the rights and freedoms of Oklahomans, and fearlessly opposing the powerful "green energy" industry, corporate welfare, and the incestuous web of well-connected lobbyists and consultants who influence and control many of Oklahoma's elected officials from behind the scenes.

Shaw is launching a new effort – the 'Save Oklahoma Plan' – to promote the same type of courageous grassroots conservatives running for office in 2026:


Jim Shaw Commits $100,000 to "Save Oklahoma Plan" to Advance Grassroots Agenda for Republicans in 2026
No more empty promises. No more selling out.

Chandler, OK (Tuesday, September 2, 2025) - State Representative Jim Shaw announced today the launch of the Save Oklahoma Plan, a grassroots-driven campaign to hold every Republican in the 2026 legislative session and the Oklahoma primaries accountable to the people. Under the Save Oklahoma Plan, funds will be distributed to conservative grassroots organizations committed to contacting voters about the plan's issues through texting campaigns, petition drives, door-to-door canvassing and digital marketing. These organizations have pledged they will not support or endorse any candidate who refuses to stand strong on all seven of the issues outlined in the plan, even if that candidate happens to disagree with them on just one.

Friday, August 08, 2025

Sen. Daniels applauds ruling upholding ban on transgender procedures under age 18


Daniels Applauds Tenth Circuit Ruling Upholding SB613

OKLAHOMA CITY (August 8th) – The Tenth Circuit has upheld Oklahoma’s law prohibiting gender transition procedures on children under the age of 18.

SB613, authored by Senate Majority Floor Leader Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville, and Representative Toni Hasenbeck, R-Elgin, was enacted in 2023. It prohibits medications designed to delay or suppress puberty and surgical procedures that alter or remove physical or anatomical characteristics or features that are typical for the individual’s biological sex. 

Thursday, June 26, 2025

Stitt, RFK Jr. to launch 'Make Oklahoma Healthy Again' campaign today


Trump's HHS Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is joining Governor Kevin Stitt at 11:00am this morning at the Oklahoma State Capitol to "kickstart the Make Oklahoma Healthy Again campaign, which promotes common-sense health policies, medical freedom, and a return to personal responsibility."

The press conference will be livestreamed on Governor Stitt's social media pages: YouTube, X/Twitter, and Facebook. I'll try to update this post when the streams post.

Saturday, May 03, 2025

New OKC Ronald McDonald House to support families of critically ill children

State leaders and Ronald McDonald House Charities staff shovel dirt at the ceremonial groundbreaking of the second RMHC location. (Photo by Maddy Remington, OMES Outreach.)

New Ronald McDonald House to support families of critically ill children

OKLAHOMA CITY (May 2, 2025) – A brighter future is on the horizon for families with hospitalized children, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH), Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) and key state partners. The Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES) is proud to recognize this exciting milestone as construction begins on a second Ronald McDonald House in Oklahoma City.

The new facility, located in the heart of the city’s medical district, will offer a home away from home for up to 28 families each night, providing comfort, care and critical support during some of life’s most challenging moments.

On April 3, a crowd of community leaders, RMHC staff, families, supporters and elected officials gathered to celebrate the ceremonial groundbreaking. This expansion will significantly increase RMHC-OKC’s capacity to serve families whose children are battling serious illnesses or injuries, reinforcing a vital support network that spans the state.

The new location is made possible in part by a $4 million appropriation from the American Rescue Plan Act State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (ARPA-SLFRF), granted by the state Legislature to OSDH. Combined with generous contributions from private donors, this funding will ensure more Oklahoma families can stay close to their loved ones while accessing top-tier pediatric care.

“When a child faces a critical health challenge, the entire family carries the weight,” said Sen. Paul Rosino, R-Oklahoma City, who serves in the state Legislature’s Health and Human Services Working Group for the Joint Committee on Pandemic Relief Funding. “As a veteran, father and grandfather, I know the strength families draw from being together in times of crisis. This expansion will offer that strength to even more Oklahoma families by providing a sense of home when it’s needed most.”

“The new Ronald McDonald House will provide comfort, stability and support to families facing some of the most difficult moments in their lives,” said Rep. Nicole Miller, R-Edmond, who attended the groundbreaking and serves on the state Legislature’s Joint Committee on Pandemic Relief Funding. “I’m proud to see this investment help expand access to compassionate care for families throughout Oklahoma.”

More than just a place to stay

When a child is in the hospital, families shouldn’t have to worry about where they’ll sleep or how they’ll afford a hotel room. Ronald McDonald House offers more than free housing – it provides a place of refuge. Families staying at the facility will have access to a full kitchen, laundry services, technology and play areas, making it easier to focus on what truly matters: their children’s recovery.

Perhaps the most powerful component of the Ronald McDonald House experience is the community. Staff, volunteers and fellow families provide vital emotional support and connection, turning a stressful, isolating experience into one of shared strength.

In 2023 alone, RMHC-OKC served 778 families across 76 Oklahoma counties, delivering 12,161 nights of stay. The upcoming location – nestled on West Memorial Road between North Meridian Avenue and North MacArthur Boulevard – will support families receiving care at Mercy Hospital, the Love Family Women’s Center, INTEGRIS Hospital and Bethany Children’s Health Center, and will serve as overflow for Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health.

Renderings of the proposed location provided by the architect, Bockus Payne.

The three-story facility is expected to open in summer 2026.

OMES applauds the unwavering dedication of OSDH and RMHC in bringing this project to life and for their continued efforts to promote healing and remove barriers to essential health care support for families across Oklahoma.

About Ronald McDonald House Charities

Since its founding in 1974, Ronald McDonald House Charities has helped millions of families around the world stay close to their hospitalized children. The first Oklahoma City House opened in 1984 with just 10 bedrooms. Today, the need continues to grow – and so does RMHC’s impact. To learn more or get involved, visit rmhc-okc.org.

Left: An attendee holds the shovel from the opening of the very first Ronald McDonald House in the United States. Right: Attendees gather for photos with the golden shovels previously used to break ground.

Thursday, April 24, 2025

Bill to prohibit pandemic closure of businesses without scientific justification heads to Governor


Bill to Keep Businesses Open During Pandemics Sent to Governor

OKLAHOMA CITY (April 22nd) – Rep. Kevin West, R-Moore, on Monday won passage of legislation that prohibits the governor from closing any business during a pandemic without documented scientific evidence that the nature of the business actually contributes to the spread of the disease.

Senate Bill 672 now moves to the governor's desk for his consideration of signing it into law.  

Monday, January 27, 2025

Sen. Deevers introduces 6 bills to 'Make Oklahoma Healthy Again'


Deevers Introduces the Six-Bill Make Oklahoma Healthy Again Agenda

OKLAHOMA CITY — Sen. Dusty Deevers, R-Elgin, announced on Thursday the filing of six bills to Make Oklahoma Healthy Again. In tandem with the MAHA agenda of President Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary nominee Robert F. Kennedy, Deevers introduced SB943, SB702, SB771, SB801, SB941, and SJR8.

“The MAHA agenda is one of the most positive developments in American politics and has a clear mandate from the voters,” Deevers said. “These bills aim to improve the health of Oklahomans by increasing quality, transparency, accountability, decentralization, and freedom in health and medical care.”

Thursday, February 08, 2024

Gov. Stitt taps Dr. Corey Finch as Secretary of Health & Mental Health

GOVERNOR STITT TAPS DR. COREY FINCH AS SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND MENTAL HEALTH

OKLAHOMA CITY (February 8, 2024) - Today, Governor Kevin Stitt announced Dr. Corey Finch as the newest addition to his cabinet, filling the role of Secretary of Health and Mental Health.

“To be a Top Ten state, we need to have a Top Ten health care system,” said Gov. Stitt. “Dr. Finch will bring his experience as a physician and member of the Health Care Authority Board to my cabinet to improve health care outcomes for all four million Oklahomans.”

Monday, February 05, 2024

Crosswhite Hader files bill making distribution of abortion-inducing drugs a felony


Crosswhite Hader Bill Would Penalize Purveyance of Abortion-Inducing Drugs

OKLAHOMA CITY (Feb. 2nd) - Rep. Denise Crosswhite Hader, R-Piedmont, has filed legislation that would penalize with a felony anyone who distributes or possesses with the intent to distribute abortion-inducing drugs when the intent is to cause an abortion.  

Sunday, September 17, 2023

4th annual 'Giving Sight Day' sees eye docs across Oklahoma offering free exams on Sept. 30th


Oklahomans In-Need Can Receive Complimentary Vision Exams on Fourth Annual Giving Sight Day (9/30) 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Participating optometric physicians across the state of Oklahoma will be giving complimentary eye exams to those in-need as part of the Oklahoma Association of Optometric Physician’s (OAOP) fourth annual Giving Sight Day.

Friday, July 21, 2023

Lankford aims at ending US reliance on Communist China for pharmaceuticals

This is an important issue that needs to be addressed. We cannot rely on Communist China for any essential industry. It's a national security issue.

Lankford Putting a Stop to US Reliance on China for Pharmaceuticals

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (July 21st) – Senator James Lankford (R-OK), a member of the Senate Finance, Homeland Security, and Intelligence Committees, introduced the Pharmaceuticals Supply Chain Security Act to proactively reduce US dependence on China for our pharmaceutical supply chain.

Sunday, July 16, 2023

State launches website to provide support, resources for expectant mothers, families


GOVERNOR STITT, STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH CELEBRATE LAUNCH OF PRO-WOMEN, PRO-LIFE RESOURCES

OKLAHOMA CITY (July 6, 2023) - Today, Governor Stitt and the Oklahoma State Department of Health are celebrating the launch of the state's new comprehensive pregnancy resources website, designed to provide essential support and information to expecting mothers, parents, and families.

"A child is a gift from God, but a pregnancy can be a confusing and trying time without support. The launch of this incredible resource is a reflection of our commitment to uplift and empower expectant mothers across Oklahoma," said Governor Stitt. "By consolidating all of this essential information and assistance into one convenient platform, we're hoping to strengthen the support system that every mom and family deserves."

"Our vision is to lead Oklahoma to prosperity through health," said Commissioner of Health Keith Reed. "That starts at the beginning of life. We want to and need to be a resource for pregnant women in our communities as they navigate bringing a newborn baby into the world. The collaboration between state agencies and community partners on centralizing support information for Oklahoma families is critical to helping meet their needs before, during and after birth."

"Providing a central access point to crucial resources upholds the commitment made to Oklahoma mothers. Acknowledging the needs of moms and families and making resources easily accessible across our great state reiterates the unified approach to this commitment," said Juli Merciez, Chair of the HELP Task Force. "Our recommendation and expectation from the HELP Task Force is to get these resources to those who need it from one platform that's easiest to access begins here."

The website conveniently gathers resources for expectant parents. It offers a wide range of resources on pregnancy, parenting, adoption, and financial assistance, ensuring individuals can easily access the support they need during a transformative time in life. The website aims to empower expectant mothers and their families by equipping them with resources ranging from prenatal care to postpartum support.

These resources can be found at www.oklahoma.gov/life.

Saturday, July 15, 2023

Rep. Brecheen, Sen. Budd demand answers after 2 young people commit suicide during taxpayer-funded transgender study

The entire "transgender" movement is such an insane denial of reality, and it's an abomination that taxpayer dollars are funding anything promoting it. That young people, who are literally being destroyed by those who should be protecting them, have committed suicide under the government's "watchful eye" studying this lunacy is beyond the pale.

Congressman Josh Brecheen, Senator Ted Budd Send Follow-Up Letter After NIH Fails to Answer for Suicides in Trans Study

Washington, D.C. (July 12th) – Congressman Josh Brecheen and Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) sent a follow-up letter to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) after the agency failed to respond to a May 2023 letter demanding answers after two young people committed suicide during an NIH-funded transgender study.

The taxpayer-funded study evaluated the psychosocial effects of cross-sex hormones on “transgender and nonbinary youth” and included children as young as 12-years-old.

Monday, May 01, 2023

Gov. Stitt signs bill banning "gender transition" surgeries and hormone therapies for minors

Praise God:


GOVERNOR STITT BANS GENDER TRANSITION SURGERIES AND HORMONE THERAPIES FOR MINORS IN OKLAHOMA

OKLAHOMA CITY (May 1, 2023) - Governor Kevin Stitt signed SB 613 into law today banning all irreversible gender transition surgeries and hormone therapies for children under the age of 18.

Sunday, March 05, 2023

Small: state sovereignty, government accountability, warrant protection


State sovereignty, government accountability, warrant protection
By Jonathan Small

A state’s citizens have the right to self-government. They also have the right to hold government officials accountable.

Most Oklahomans support both concepts. But they are under attack via a proposed federal regulation related to declaring a “public health emergency.”

Fortunately, Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond is pushing back.

Wednesday, March 01, 2023

Oklahoma State House bans "gender transition" services for minors

Praise God:


House Prohibits Gender Transition Services for Minors

OKLAHOMA CITY (Feb. 28th) – Legislation prohibiting gender transition services for minors was approved Tuesday by the Oklahoma House of Representatives.

House Bill 2177, authored by Rep. Kevin West, R-Moore, and Rep. Jim Olsen, R-Roland, prohibits health care professionals from providing, attempting to provide or providing a referral for puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones and gender reassignment surgeries for minors.

Friday, February 10, 2023

OCPA praises senators for advancing bill to protect kids from mutilation and puberty blockers


OCPA praises senators for protecting children and teens

OKLAHOMA CITY (February 9, 2023) — Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs President Jonathan Small today praised senators for advancing legislation that would prevent children from undergoing sex-reassignment surgeries, cross-sex hormones, or puberty blockers, before age 18.

Saturday, February 04, 2023

Sen. Standridge files legislation to protect minors from gender transition medications, surgeries


Sen. Standridge files legislation to protect minors from gender transition medications, surgeries

OKLAHOMA CITY – State Sen. Rob Standridge, R-Norman, has filed four pieces of legislation to protect minors from life-changing gender transition hormones and surgery that could render them unable to have children as adults.  The bills also allow lawsuits to be filed against health care providers and adults who violate the provisions of these measures.

Thursday, January 12, 2023

Sen. Dahm files legislation to fight destructive woke gender ideology


Sen. Dahm files legislation to fight destructive woke gender ideology

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Nathan Dahm, R-Broken Arrow, has filed legislation to fight the dangerous and destructive woke gender ideology of the left.

“For years, Senate leadership has dismissed the threat that the left’s gender ideology poses to our state,” Dahm said. “However, with instances of ‘family friendly’ drag shows, drag queen story hours, and the discovery of the gender transition program at OU Medical, it’s past time we stop this craziness. The following bills will provide Senate leadership with a way to fulfill the promises made during special session and end the practice of gender destruction in our state.”

Wednesday, January 11, 2023

Bullard files bill prohibiting genital mutilation (aka "gender transition") of anyone under the age of 26


Bullard files bill prohibiting genital mutilation of youth under 26

OKLAHOMA CITY (Jan. 10th) - Sen. David Bullard, R-Durant, recently filed Senate Bill 129, also known as the Millstone Act, to prohibit Oklahoma doctors from providing gender transition procedures or referral services relating to such procedures to anyone under the age of 26. The bill would further authorize the state’s attorney general to enforce the act and those found guilty of violating it would be guilty of a felony and subject to license revocation.

Friday, October 21, 2022

Stitt, leaders clarify OK kids not required to get COVID vax to attend public school

GOVERNOR STITT, COMMISSIONER REED CLARIFY KIDS IN OKLAHOMA NOT REQUIRED TO GET COVID VACCINE TO ATTEND SCHOOL

OKLAHOMA CITY (Oct.20, 2022) – Governor Kevin Stitt released the following statement after the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) approved adding the COVID-19 vaccine to childhood immunization schedules.

“Regardless of what the CDC in Washington says, nothing changes in Oklahoma and kids are not required to get a COVID vaccine to attend school,” said Governor Stitt. “It’s up to parents to decide how to protect their child from viruses and as long as I am governor, we will never force kids to get a COVID vaccine to go to school.”