2014 Most Influential Women Honoree: Helen Oke-Thomas

Helen Oke-Thomas has spent 20 years concerned about the well-being of others, either through health care or community involvement.

“I have always been a very goal-oriented person and able to stay focused while achieving my goals,” says Oke-Thomas, a nurse practitioner for CoxHealth. “All of my endeavors have always been heartfelt and purposeful. When I see a need for something that will bring about positive outcomes for my community, I take the leadership to plan and implement change.”

Oke-Thomas began her health care career as a registered nurse for the U.S. Medical Center for Federal Prisoners in Springfield before earning her master’s in nursing at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. She worked at a family practice, the Springfield Greene-County Health Department and the Aids Project of the Ozarks before joining CoxHealth in 2009.

Last year, Oke-Thomas began a new endeavor at the Panther Health Clinic in partnership with CoxHealth, Drury University’s first campus clinic.

“The first year was a very groundbreaking year,” she says.

“It was a very successful year, and I felt honored to be able to meet the needs of both the students as well as the faculty and staff of Drury University by allowing them to receive care on-site and return to their classes or work.”

Oke-Thomas uses her medical background to benefit the community in myriad ways. After learning about the lower breast cancer survival rates among black women, she was compelled to get involved. Four years ago, Oke-Thomas started teaching women at the NAACP’s Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Tea about self-examination and performing on-site exams for those who are interested.

Her outspoken nature doesn’t stop there. At her church, Oke-Thomas organized a health-awareness program to promote healthy eating and regular exercise, and she has spoken to young girls at a community center about self-esteem, health and beauty.

Last year, she spoke to minority high school students attending Missouri State University’s Youth Empowerment Conference, and she recently shared her experiences as a nurse practitioner with a group of gifted students attending a summer program at Drury.

Every year, Oke-Thomas organizes a school-supplies giveaway at her church to benefit lower-income families.

She also has volunteered to provide free physicals to save families the cost and allow students the opportunity to participate in sports and activities at school.

In keeping with her action-oriented approach to challenges, Oke-Thomas, a member of the Parent Teacher Association, initiated a cultural awareness committee at her children’s school after seeing her kids deal with isolated instances of racial stereotyping. She was the committee’s first chairperson.

“Not only did my children appreciate this awareness information, but other minorities, too, and other children were able to gain more education about other cultures, as well,” she says.[[In-content Ad]]