Doctors Mercedez Bernard, Ariana Harwood, and Edward Legako represented southwest Oklahoma at the Healing Through Food Summit on June 5 at the Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine at the Cherokee Nation in Tahlequah.
The summit brought together healthcare professionals, community leaders, and policymakers to explore the role of food as medicine, particularly in rural and tribal Oklahoma.
Drs. Bernard and Harwood opened the conference with a presentation on nutrition and osteopathic medicine, highlighting the importance of nutrition education and food-based interventions in improving health outcomes.
Dr. Legako served on a panel discussing Food as Medicine initiatives across Oklahoma. He emphasized the role of farmers markets in expanding access to fresh, local foods and supporting community health in southwest Oklahoma.
Their participation highlighted southwest Oklahoma’s commitment to advancing nutrition, preventive care, and health equity through innovative, community-focused approaches.