PRYOR — On February 6, the Cherokee Nation introduced a one-year pilot program to help subsidize gym memberships for Cherokee Nation citizens and their households at eligible nonprofit fitness centers.
The program will allocate $750,000 from the tribe’s Public Health and Wellness Fund Act. The idea for the program was proposed by District 15 Tribal Councilor Danny Callison, who was inspired by his friendship with Mike Moore, the director of the Pryor Creek Rec Center.
Moore explained that Callison brought the idea to him, and the initiative was put into action in June 2023. Since its launch, membership for Cherokee Nation citizens at the Pryor Creek Rec Center has surged from 250 to 654 members by the end of January. Moore anticipates even greater growth in the future.
“The numbers show the plan is working,” Moore said. “We have a 60,000-square-foot facility. Our goal is to reach 2,000 total members, and we’re already over 1,800. We’re doing well, and we plan to expand in the future.”
Callison noted that the partnership was a clear and easy decision.
“For just $24 a month, a family of four can access the pool, all the facilities, and even childcare while working out,” Callison said. “With basketball courts and a walking track, it made perfect sense to collaborate with the Pryor Rec Center.”
The Public Health and Wellness Fund Act uses a portion of the tribe’s health program revenue to support public health and behavioral health programs. Nonprofit gyms participating in the Fitness Partners program will offer Cherokee Nation citizen households a 50% discount on one-year memberships for the next year, with each gym providing subsidies up to a certain limit.
Darrian Kingfisher, a 24-year-old Cherokee Nation citizen and member of the Pryor Creek Rec Center, shared that the partnership gives citizens, especially those far from wellness centers, a valuable opportunity for health and fitness.
Over the next few weeks, Cherokee Nation will reach out to eligible nonprofit gyms to explain the program’s rules. The gyms will sign agreements allowing them to collect subsidies while Cherokee Nation Public Health tracks the program’s effectiveness. Public announcements will be made as gyms join the initiative.
