Last week, the inaugural TSET Health Promotion Research Center (HPRC) Translational Impact Summit took place, bringing together researchers, community health leaders and advocates from across Oklahoma to help bridge the gap between scientific discovery and real-world health impact.

Evidence-based research only changes lives when it reaches the communities that need it most — and collaboration is essential to making that happen.

The impact of this work is already being seen across Oklahoma. Adult smoking rates have dropped to a historic low of 14.1%, half of what they were 25 years ago. And for the first time since obesity surveillance began in 1988, Oklahoma’s adult obesity rate has declined for two consecutive years.

Progress like this is only possible because of the dedication and partnership of people committed to improving health outcomes across our state. Thank you to everyone who joined us and continues to move this important work forward. While there is still more to do, TSET is proud to support research and partnerships that create lasting impact for Oklahoma communities.