July 25, 2026 Issue, Page 12 of 16

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12• SATURDAY, JULY 25, 2026 NEWS The Elk City News Beat the Heat, Not Your Budget: Summer Energy-Saving Tips to Help Manage Your Energy Oklahoma Natural Gas shares practical ways customers can save money instead. OKLAHOMA CITY – As sum- Summer: tem. systems are servicedand cleaned • Installing a Low Flow Shower mer temperatures rise, many cus- Customers can take control of • Keep Cool Air In: Seal doors properly, they operate more Head: This causes less water to be WE’RE HERE TO HELP tomers look for ways to manage their energy costs by making a and windows with weather strip- safely and efficiently. This helps used, which canuse less energy Oklahoma Natural Gas of- household energy costs. Oklaho- few simple adjustments at home: ping and/or caulking tokeep cool them lastlonger and lowers your from your water heater. fers a variety of programs to ma Natural Gas encourages cus- • Limit A/C Competition with air in and warm air out. Consider monthly bill. • Change Direction of Ceiling help customers manage natural tomers to focus on simple steps Appliances: By running dryers, closing your drapes or blinds to • Reduce Water Heater Tem- Fans: Adjust ceiling fans so they gas bills, including payment ar- that can improve efficiency and dishwashers andother large ap- blockthe sunlight. peratures: Lower the tempera- are rotatingcounterclockwise. rangements. More information is help reduce overall energy use. pliances after dark, you can re- • Maintain Natural Gas Appli- ture of your water heaterto 120 This will push air downward to available at oklahomanaturalgas. Ways to Save Money This duce stress on your cooling sys- ances: When heating or cooling degrees. create the wind-chill effect. com/cares. Guiding Right, Inc. Awarded Oklahoma State Department of Health Contract to Expand Immunization Outreach Across Oklahoma OKLAHOMA CITY — July 17, they serve, CHWs will meet peo- versations that help people make creasing access to preventive ser- homa State Department of Health 2026 - Guiding Right, Inc. ple where they are at community informed decisions about their vices where they live, work, and builds on that commitment and (GRI) is proud to announce that events, child-care facilities, faith- health. We appreciate the confi- gather. represents another step toward it has been awarded a contract based institutions, schools, neigh- dence the Oklahoma State De- Throughout the project, GRI ensuring that every Oklahoman by the Oklahoma State Depart- borhood organizations, and other partment of Health has placed will partner with community or- has the opportunity to live a ment of Health (OSDH) Immu- local gathering places to provide in our organization, and we look ganizations, faith-based institu- healthier life. nization Service to help improve reliable information about vac- forward to partnering with com- tions, schools, healthcare provid- immunization rates through edu- cines, answer questions, address munities across the Oklahoma ers, and other local stakeholders ABOUT GUIDING RIGHT, INC. cation, outreach, and community concerns, and connect individu- City Metro to improve immuni- to expand awareness and connect Founded in 1999, Guiding engagement across the Oklaho- als and families with immuniza- zation rates and protect the health Oklahomans with vaccination Right, Inc. is an Oklahoma-based ma City Metro and surrounding tion providers. of Oklahoma families.” services. Outreach activities will nonprofit organization dedicat- counties. "At Guiding Right, we believe Across the country, Black include health fairs, town halls, ed to improving the health and Under the contract, GRI will good health begins with access to Americans continue to experi- educational presentations, neigh- well-being of underserved com- work to increase awareness of the accurate information and trust- ence lower adult vaccination rates borhood events, and one-on-one munities through education, importance of routine and catch- ed relationships," said Theodore than many other populations assistance for individuals seeking prevention, research, healthcare up vaccinations while helping H. Noel, Founder, President and due to longstanding barriers to immunization services. services, and community out- Theodore H. Noel improve access to immunization CEO of Guiding Right, Inc. "Our healthcare access, transportation, For more than two decades, reach. The organization operates services for children, adolescents, vaccination rates continue to lag. Community Health Workers have and trusted health information. Guiding Right, Inc. has worked programs throughout Oklahoma and adults. The organization will A key part of this work will be built those relationships over Community-based outreach plays alongside communities to reduce that address HIV prevention and focus its efforts in communities GRI's team of Community Health many years. They understand a vital role in addressing these health disparities and improve care, primary healthcare, behav- where healthcare access has his- Workers (CHWs). As trusted the communities they serve and challenges by connecting people access to quality healthcare. This ioral health, community health, torically been limited and where members of the communities know how to have honest con- with reliable information and in- new partnership with the Okla- and other public health priorities. Oklahoma Local Food for Schools Program Now Accepting Applications The Oklahoma Department of minimally processed foods such as Program is designed to shows program for another year and tion portal, here. bursed for purchases from Agriculture, Food and Forestry fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, students quality, nutritious food give kids access to high-quality Applications will be accepted on ODAFF-approved vendors that is now accepting applications to eggs, dairy and nuts. The program can be found right here at home Oklahoma food.” a first-come-first-serve basis until are part of the Local Food Pro- participate in the Local Foods for is designed to help accredited Okla- while also giving Oklahoma pro- The Oklahoma Legislature has all funds have been distributed. curement Assistance Program. Schools program for Fiscal Year homa schools connect with local ducers more markets to explore,” allocated more than $3 million Producers interested in serv- Vendors can sign up here. 2027. farmers and ranchers that fit their said Oklahoma Secretary of Ag- to ODAFF for this program and ing schools can also apply with For more information about the The program will reimburse needs. riculture Blayne Arthur. “We are schools can apply for the funding ODAFF. program, contact Brady Womack schools for approved purchases of “The Local Food for Schools thrilled to be able to continue this through ODAFF’s online applica- Schools may only be reim- at [email protected]