To the Editor:

The Oklahoma State Health Department (OSDH) will host the next Oklahoma Health Equity Campaign (OHEC) Meeting from 2 – 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 24. OSDH is located at 1000 NE 10th St. Oklahoma City.

The focus will be on early childhood development and implications for Oklahoma.

“The RAISING of AMERICA: Early Childhood and the Future of Our Nation” is the first documentary series to explore how a strong start for children can lead to a heathier more prosperous and more equitable America. The first one-hour segment will air on PBS in April.

Executive Director for Smart Start Oklahoma, Debra Andersen, will field questions concerning the documentary and will also inform attendees how they can assist and participate in future community screenings. Smart Start Oklahoma is dedicated to improving early childhood policies that support all children being prepared when they enter school.

OHEC Members Sunshine Cowan, PhD, MPH, MCHES, associate professor at the University of Central Oklahoma and Marshan Marick, MPH, CHES, director, Public Health Program, Langston University will be reporting on a study highlighting faith-based organizations and their work with public health equity issues.

“OHEC is a statewide coalition seeking to maximize the health potential of all Oklahomans through resources and opportunities available in our communities,” said Richard Marshall, chair, Oklahoma Health Equity Campaign.

Anyone interested in attending in Oklahoma City, or participating via video-conference at one of our satellite locations should contact (405) 271-9444, ext. 56543