In the fall of 2022, the Oklahoma Department of Libraries (ODL) and the Institute of Library and Museum Studies awarded a $3,964.55 grant to the Muldrow Public Library, to address health issues in the community and county.

According to the State of the County’s Health Report on adults: 38.5 percent suffer from obesity; 42.8 percent do not engage in physical activity and 18.8 percent suffer from diabetes.

Bethia Owens, Shared Branch Manager at Muldrow, says the grant was used to promote increased physical activity, distribution of education information regarding the prevention of diabetes and heart disease, and the encouragement of better choices in nutrition.

A total of 608 individuals attended health programs at the library or library sponsored programs. Exercise classes, cooking classes, and health information classes were held for all ages.

Partners in the projects included Oklahoma Healthy Aging Initiative, Friends of the Muldrow Public Library, Muldrow Public Schools, People Inc., the Oklahoma State University Extension Agency, and the Fruit of the Vine Food Pantry.