Ozarka College was awarded The Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas grant earlier this year, which helps fund a Community Obesity Prevention Fitness and Nutrition Program. The funds awarded are used to provide resources for cardio health and nutrition programs to community members and Ozarka employees.

With these funds, Ozarka has already purchased a variety of new cardio equipment for the Paul Miller Fitness Center (located at Ozarka College in Melbourne) and the College has partnered with the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service to provide nutrition and health programs in Fulton, Izard, Sharp and Stone counties. The primary goal has been helping participants gain new attitudes and learn new information and skills to live a life focused on health.  

"We have experienced tremendous growth in fitness center membership since adding the new cardio equipment, " commented  Dr. Deltha Sharp, writer of this grant and associate vice president of planning and institutional research. "We hope that community members will continue taking advantage of our facilities to improve their health. "

The second campaign for the grant, "Get Ready for Summer, " will begin on May 1, 2018. The College is offering incentives for community members to join the fitness center, including a prize drawing! For help with your summer fitness goals, please contact Stacy Gore, Fitness Center Director, at 870.368.2090 or email: stacy.gore@ozarka.edu.