Stillwater, Okla. – Stillwater Medical Center recently awarded $4500 in Heart of the Community mini-grants to seven local wellness programs aimed at improving the health of Payne County residents.

Recipients include:

• Carolyn Walstad, Stillwater High School Cheerleading; weight lifting and strength equipment – $367.25. 
• Abbey Enriquez and Tony Holt, Stillwater Middle School; scooters, equipment and books for curriculum in physical education – $830.31.
• Susan Brien, Highland Park Elementary; books and educational magnets for curriculum – $359.74.
• Jerry Wichert, Stillwater High School Strength and Conditioning; agility slide boards -- $1000.00
• Lynda Reynolds, Stillwater Public Library; books for health and wellness section -- $1000.00
• Quinn Baldwin, Stillwater High School Cross Country; plates for the SHS time record plaque and medals for recognition -- $36.00
• Susan Weaver, Highland Park Elementary; bikes and helmets -- $906.70

“Through the grant, we were able to purchase books on nutrition, childhood obesity and smoking prevention,” said Reynolds. “We plan to set up displays at the library for each wellness category to draw interest and help educate people about these important wellness topics.”

Stillwater Medical Center’s Heart of the Community Grants are awarded twice each year. Application deadlines are April 30^th and October 31^st. With a maximum award of $1000 for each recipient, schools, businesses, churches, community coalitions and youth groups with wellness projects are all encouraged to apply. 

Rob Woods of Total Health said, “Our grants target four areas to improve overall wellness: cardiovascular health, nutrition, childhood obesity prevention and tobacco use prevention and cessation. The funds may be used for project materials, supplies or equipment.”

“People in Payne County have some great ideas to promote and improve wellness but too often lack the funds to make a project happen,” said Shyla Eggers, Director of Public Relations for Stillwater Medical Center. “Stillwater Medical Center is pleased to provide the Heart of the Community mini-grants and help move these projects forward.”

For more information about the Heart of the Community Grant and an application, please visit the newly redesigned Web site at www.StillwaterMedical.com.