Upcoming Event: OICA's Fall Legislative Forum, Tuesday, October 11 at UCO

The Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy is hosting a Legislative Forum on Tuesday, Oct. 11, at the University of Central Oklahoma.

Participants at this year’s Forum will hear a state budget overview from OK Policy Director David Blatt and listen to a panel of state agency directors as they explain how recent budget cuts impact children. The state agency panel includes: Mike Fogarty with the Health Care Authority; Terri White with Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services; Howard Hendrick with Department of Human Services, Gene Christian with the Office of Juvenile Affairs and Toni Frioux of the State Department of Health.

Forum workshops will focus on five policy priorities for Oklahoma’s children selected by an online vote earlier this year: child health; child safety; mental health; early care and education; and maternal and infant health. Participants will work in breakout sessions on the five issues, culminating in a policy/strategy vote. The forum will also include a grassroots coalition training session.

The keynote speaker is Michelle Aguilar, winner of season six’s “Biggest Loser” competition.  Her inspirational speech will motivate others to find their own voice and inner-strength as child advocates, community members and business leaders committed to OICA’s mission in providing strong voices for Oklahoma’s children.

Go to http://oica.org/fall-forum to register and see the full agenda.