Health & Family Well-Being | GKFF Area of Focus

OVERVIEW

GKFF’s work in this area attempts to reverse the generational cycle of poverty, especially for very young children and their families, through programs focused on pre-pregnancy and family health care, teen pregnancy prevention and alternatives to incarceration for mothers who have committed low-level offenses.

Oklahoma incarcerates more women per capita than any other state in the nation.

An 11-year discrepancy in life expectancy exists between the highest- and lowest-income ZIP codes in Tulsa.

Oklahoma has the second-highest rate of births among teens ages 15 to 19.

“Children bear no responsibility for the circumstance of their birth and are often the most impacted by poor health outcomes in their families, limiting their opportunity to escape from intergenerational poverty. That is morally offensive.”

— George B. Kaiser

INITIATIVES

The best way for young children to succeed is through a strong and healthy beginning. GKFF partners with nonprofit organizations to provide a level playing field, ensure access to necessary services and alleviate the symptoms of poverty, including food, clothing and shelter insecurity.

Community Health

In a state with some of the country’s worst health outcomes, GKFF has sought best practices to combat Tulsa’s significant health challenges. The Foundation invests in evidence-based practices and interventions dedicated to serving low-income populations.

Cycle of Incarceration

Oklahoma has the highest rate of female incarceration in the nation. The consequences of incarceration and familial separation are devastating for both mothers and their children.

Maternal Child Health

The best way for young children to have a level playing field is through a strong and healthy beginning in life. GKFF strives to positively influence the health of young families through programs that enable them to have planned pregnancies and healthy birth outcomes.

Social Services

GKFF provides a wide array of annual grants to Tulsa-based health, education and human service organizations that provide support to those most in need in the community.

HEALTH & FAMILY WELL-BEING FEATURES