In 1994 a strategic analysis of health and human service needs in Central Oklahoma resulted in the publication of Choosing Our Future which defined the strategic needs of children and youth, working-age adults and families, and the elderly in the community. A committee led by Craig Knutson, then Chief Economist of Southwestern Bell developed a set of key indicators for children and youth in Central Oklahoma that focused on economic well-being, academic achievement, health status, and personal safety.
The Household Quality of Life Study, an annual representative sample study of Oklahoma County, evaluates financial security, transportatation accessiblity, elderly citizens’ quality of life, retirement, volunteering, living arrangements, insurance coverage, Medicaid/Medicare, inacessible health services, charitable giving, and arts & cultural events. Combined with information from records and documents of public and private agencies and organizations, these indicators have been maintained and augmented over the past decade providing historical trend information for the community. This information is used by a variety of governmental, civic, and services organizations.
The Vital Signs publication is a bi-annual report of the United Way of Central Oklahoma based on the primary research conducted through the Household Quality of Life Survey and secondary sources in the community.
Vital Signs has three goals:
- To provide credible, up-to-date information to guide research and decision-making on key community issues
- To educate the community about Oklahoma County trends in economic well-being, educational achievement, health status, safety, and civic participation
- To initiate discussison and serve as a catalyst for community actions leading to positive community change.
Where feasible, Oklahoma County indicator data are compared to state and/or national data.
Representatives are available for local presentations and meetings. Speakers are knowledgeable about the well-being of children and youth, working-age adults, and the elderly in Oklahoma County are available to discuss ways in which individuals, groups, businesses, schools, faith groups, and community-based organizations can help to make things better.
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