SSM and Norman Regional recognized for new efforts to reduce patient tobacco use

Posted on: 8/2/17


OHA is pleased to recognize SSM Health Care of Oklahoma and Norman Regional Health System for their leadership in developing programs to reduce tobacco use through a focused and effective treatment protocol to help their patients quit. 

Through a partnership between the OHA’s Hospitals Helping Patients Quit (HHPQ) initiative, both systems have successfully integrated clinical tobacco treatment including electronic referrals, known as “e-Referral,” to the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline (OTH) through their electronic health record systems (EHR).This is a proven best practice for ensuring that patients receive sustainable evidence-based tobacco treatment services. 

Since the launch of their tobacco treatment programs two months ago, the systems have connected more than a combined 500 patients to follow-up tobacco cessation services through the OTH. 

SSM hospitals recognized include St. Anthony Hospital, Oklahoma City; Bone and Joint Hospital at St. Anthony; and St. Anthony Shawnee Hospital.

Norman Regional Health System is recognized for multiple facilities as well, including the Porter campus, HealthPlex, and HealthPlex Heart Hospital in Norman.

“By successfully integrating tobacco treatment services into their EHRs, these health care facilities have joined a long list of collaborative hospitals in Oklahoma to put our state on the national forefront for best practices in patient-based cessation services,” said LaWanna Halstead, OHA vice president of clinical and quality initiatives. “By helping patients quit, they will save countless years of life, as well as valuable health care dollars. Most importantly, they will improve the quality of life for so many in their community.” 

HHPQ congratulates these community health leaders for their initiative in helping to improve the health of so many Oklahomans.  

The Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) supports OHA’s Hospital Helping Patients Quit and the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline. 

For information the HHPQ initiative, click here or call (405) 427-9537. For information on the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline, click here.

Save the dates for OHA 2022 events

Posted on: 2/18/22


It’s a new year and a new lineup of important events for you and your staff. Don’t miss out on these opportunities to engage in advocacy, education and networking all year long. Mark your calendar now!

OHA Advocacy Day - Tuesday, April 5, Oklahoma History Center. Join us for our annual legislative day. We will begin with a member briefing at 3 p.m., followed by a legislative reception at 5 p.m. Watch for registration materials soon.

OHA-PAC Golf Tournament - Tuesday, June 21, Jimmie Austin Golf Club at OU, Norman. Time and details TBA.

OHA Health Care Leaders Forum - Tuesday, July 19 - Thursday, July 21, Shangri-La Resort, Grand Lake. Watch for registration soon!

OHA Connect 22 - Wednesday, Nov. 9 - Friday, Nov. 11, Oklahoma City Convention Center and Omni Hotel, downtown Oklahoma City. Plan now to attend OHA’s annual conference and exhibit hall. More details to come.

Details on these events and other upcoming education opportunities will be available on the OHA website.