First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Ponca City applied for and met the criteria to become a Certified Healthy Congregation. Established in 2014 this program recognizes congregation sites that make a positive impact on the health of employees and patrons. First Christian and Blackwell First United Methodist Church are the only congregations in Kay County to meet certification.
With three levels of certification, Basic, Merit and Excellence, First Christian earned the Merit certification. Kay County had over 50 entities apply for the state’s voluntary recognition program, including the communities of Blackwell and Ponca City.
Businesses, communities, churches, campuses, early childcare, and schools all applied in November of 2016. That is an increase from 30 applicants in 2015 which only included businesses, a campus, early childcares and schools.
Activities that are currently in place or will be added include the Friendship Garden, tai chi classes, the use of healthy food choices for the evening Friendship Feast meal, providing information about how to stop smoking, and blood pressure screenings.
First Christian Ponca City looks forward to adding practices to allow Excellence level of certification and to provide a healthy environment for congregants, as well as the local community.
