OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Oklahoma Child Abuse Prevention Awards, which honor exceptional Oklahoma individuals and organizations for demonstrating outstanding commitment, dedication and leadership in child abuse prevention.
“Child maltreatment is a significant public health issue that has lifelong repercussions for those impacted,” said Commissioner of Health Keith Reed. “We must recognize those promoting safe, stable and nurturing environments and relationships for Oklahoma’s children. They are working daily to help reverse those trends and elevate the long-term quality of life for all Oklahomans.”
Nominations are due by the end of the business day on Friday, January 31. Forms can be filled out and submitted online by clicking here.
There are eight categories for nominations:
Julie L. Bonner Nurse Home Visitor Award – Honors a nurse home visitor who empowers parents to care for themselves while creating safe, healthy, nurturing relationships and environments for children.
Marian Jacewitz Award – Recognizes an individual in Oklahoma who has made significant contributions to the prevention of child abuse and strengthening families on a statewide level.
Mary Ellen Wilson Award – Honors an individual who has made significant contributions to the prevention of child abuse and strengthening families at a community level.
Outstanding Community Builder Award – This award recognizes an impactful individual, group, or organization that has created and/or implemented a project, activity, or event that strengthens families at a community or neighborhood level. This Community Builder has a growth mindset and has used vision, innovation, leadership, impact, and/or social responsibilities to meet underserved children and families’ immediate and/or long-term needs.
Outstanding Community Builder Award – Honors an impactful individual, group or organization that has created and/or implemented a project, activity or event that strengthens families at a community or neighborhood level.
Outstanding Home Visitor Award – Recognizes a professional working as a home visitor who has demonstrated a high commitment to quality service and tremendous dedication to those served.
Outstanding Elected Official Award – Recognizes an elected official for distinguished service focused on the prevention of child maltreatment and/or support of vulnerable families.
Outstanding Family Support Program Award – Honors an exceptional program that focuses on the prevention of child maltreatment and supports vulnerable families.
All nominees and nominators will be notified of the outcome no later than April 1, 2025.
The awards will be presented on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. in Room 100 at the Oklahoma State Capitol.
For more information, or to request printed forms, email LaChez’ English, at LachezE@health.ok.gov.
If you suspect abuse or neglect, you can call the Oklahoma Child Abuse Hotline at (800) 522-3511.
The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) protects and improves public health through its system of local health services and strategies focused on preventing disease. OSDH provides technical support and guidance to 68 county health departments in Oklahoma, as well as guidance and consultation to the two independent city-county health departments in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Learn more at Oklahoma.gov/health.