Oklahoma state and federal leaders push to increase health outcomes – News On 6

‘Make Oklahoma Healthy Again’ Initiative and Its Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Overview of the Initiative

The ‘Make Oklahoma Healthy Again’ (MOHA) initiative is a state-level extension of the national ‘Make America Healthy Again’ movement, championed by President Donald Trump and Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. The initiative aims to improve public health in Oklahoma by promoting healthier food options and revising public health policies.

Statements from Leadership

• Governor Kevin Stitt emphasized the importance of common sense, medical freedom, and personal responsibility in improving health outcomes, aligning with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).
• HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. praised Oklahoma’s actions, including introducing healthy food in schools and prisons, removing fluoride from drinking water recommendations, and restricting unhealthy food purchases with SNAP benefits.

Key Components of the MOHA Initiative

1. SNAP Benefits Restrictions

1. Governor Stitt submitted a federal waiver to prohibit the purchase of soda and candy using SNAP-EBT benefits.
2. The goal is to reduce consumption of unhealthy foods, thereby lowering healthcare costs and improving nutrition, supporting SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).

2. Executive Order 2025-13 on Public Health Policies

• Signed at the Oklahoma State Capitol, the order reviews public health policies related to water and food.
• Directs state agencies providing meals (schools, prisons) to eliminate harmful dyes from meals, addressing SDG 3.
• Instructs the Oklahoma Department of Health to cease recommending fluoride in state water, allowing local discretion.
• Establishes the MOHA Advisory Council to promote clean living, expand community wellness programs, and educate citizens on reducing exposure to harmful chemicals, aligning with SDG 3 and SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).

Stakeholder Perspectives and Concerns

Medical Community Feedback

• Dr. Steven Crawford, Chair of Oklahoma Alliance for Healthy Families, highlighted the health benefits of water fluoridation and its role in preventing cavities, which supports child nutrition and overall health (SDG 3).
• He acknowledged the removal of candy and sugary drinks as positive but raised concerns about insufficient SNAP resources for purchasing healthy foods, emphasizing the need for increased funding to ensure adequate nutrition year-round.

Concerns from Hunger Free Oklahoma

• Chris Bernard, President and CEO of Hunger Free Oklahoma, cautioned that restricting food purchases without addressing access and affordability may harm low-income populations.
• He advocated for a holistic approach to increase access and make healthier choices easier, supporting SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

Legislative Actions on Food Safety and Child Health

Senate Bill 4 on Synthetic Food Dyes

• Authored by Senator Kristen Thompson, the bill aims to restrict synthetic food dyes in products marketed to children, promoting child health and well-being (SDG 3).
• Although not heard on the senate floor in 2025, the bill will be eligible for consideration in 2026.
• Senator Thompson has initiated an interim study to examine the effects of synthetic dyes and explore policy solutions to protect children’s health.

Conclusion: MOHA Initiative and Sustainable Development Goals

The ‘Make Oklahoma Healthy Again’ initiative represents a comprehensive effort to improve public health through policy changes, education, and community engagement. By addressing nutrition, food safety, and environmental health factors, the initiative aligns with multiple Sustainable Development Goals, including:

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger – improving access to healthy foods and nutrition.
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – reducing disease risk factors and promoting healthy lifestyles.
• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – revising water fluoridation policies and promoting safe water.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – considering the needs of low-income populations in policy design.

Ongoing dialogue among policymakers, health professionals, and community organizations remains essential to ensure that health initiatives are equitable, effective, and sustainable.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger – The article discusses improving nutrition and access to healthy food, particularly through changes to SNAP benefits and school/prison meals.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – The initiative focuses on reducing health risks related to diet, such as eliminating harmful dyes, fluoride recommendations, and restricting sugary foods.
3. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – The article addresses water quality issues, specifically the removal of fluoride recommendations from public water.
4. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Efforts to restrict synthetic food dyes and unhealthy food purchases relate to sustainable consumption patterns.
5. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Collaboration between state agencies, federal government, and advocacy groups is evident in the initiative.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 2 – Target 2.1: End hunger and ensure access by all people to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food.
2. SDG 3 – Target 3.4: Reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and promotion of mental health and well-being.
3. SDG 3 – Target 3.9: Reduce illnesses and deaths from hazardous chemicals and pollution.
4. SDG 6 – Target 6.1: Achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water.
5. SDG 12 – Target 12.8: Ensure people have relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature.
6. SDG 17 – Target 17.17: Encourage effective partnerships and multi-stakeholder engagement.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

• Indicator for SDG 2.1: Proportion of population using SNAP benefits able to purchase healthy foods; reduction in purchase of soda, candy, and junk food with SNAP-EBT.
• Indicator for SDG 3.4: Reduction in diet-related diseases and healthcare spending; prevalence of non-communicable diseases linked to diet.
• Indicator for SDG 3.9: Levels of harmful chemicals (e.g., synthetic dyes) in food served in public institutions; incidence of illnesses related to chemical exposure.
• Indicator for SDG 6.1: Fluoride levels in public water supplies; number of water districts choosing fluoridation.
• Indicator for SDG 12.8: Number of educational programs promoting clean living and reducing exposure to harmful chemicals.
• Indicator for SDG 17.17: Number and effectiveness of partnerships such as MOHA Advisory Council and collaboration between government and advocacy groups.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: newson6.com