OSU-CHS Shines in Health and Wellness: Celebrating Innovations at Oklahoma State University

The wellness of students, faculty, and staff is a top priority at Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences (OSU-CHS). The Department of Wellness has launched several programs, one of which is the OSU Pride Works: Health and Wellness Certificate Program. This initiative recently received the Innovative Integration Award from the [ComPsych Health at Work Awards](https://www.compsych.com/health-at-work-award-winners/).

This award recognizes organizations that emphasize health and well-being in the workplace. The Innovative Integration Award highlights programs that focus on various aspects of well-being, including physical, financial, social, and intellectual health.

Kelsey Ashwood, the employee wellness coordinator, sees the award as a testament to the university’s commitment to its employees. “Being part of the culture of care at OSU-CHS is special,” she says. “The program came from a genuine concern for our staff, aiming to create a healthier and more positive workplace.”

The Health and Wellness Certificate Program was designed in response to barriers identified in the National Faculty and Staff Health Assessment by the American College Health Association. Many employees found it hard to participate in wellness programs due to scheduling conflicts.

To tackle this, the certificate program offers courses during regular business hours, and employees can earn credits toward their career advancement while working on their health. This flexibility encourages participation and demonstrates OSU’s support for their well-being. “Employees improving their health can positively change how they interact at work and with students,” Ashwood points out.

Some engaging activities included in the program are TED Talk Tuesdays, Mental Health First Aid Training, and workshops on Generational Differences in the Workplace.

OSU-CHS’s wellness efforts don’t stop with employees. They also extend to students. Jesse Chaffin, health and wellness manager, emphasizes the importance of student health. “Healthy students are more likely to thrive academically,” he says. “Our job is to support them through their academic journey.”

The Department of Wellness conducts the National College Health Assessment every two years to understand student well-being better. The latest results showed that over 50% of OSU-CHS students face mental health challenges.

Recognizing this need, the Department offers various initiatives focused on prevention, like workshops and training. “We aim to equip students with skills and tools they can use now and in their future careers,” Chaffin explains.

Students also have access to many resources that support their well-being. These include health seminars, a fitness center, counseling services, nutrition advice, and even pet therapy. Additionally, all first-year students must complete QPR training to learn how to recognize and respond to suicidal behaviors.

Chaffin stresses the importance of support in higher education. “It’s not just students who find it demanding; employees do too. Learning to manage stress in healthy ways is crucial for both groups,” he says.

For more information about wellness resources at OSU-CHS, you can visit the [OSU-CHS Department of Wellness webpage](https://medicine.okstate.edu/wellness/).

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