The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) is now accepting nominations for the 2024 Oklahoma Child Abuse Prevention Awards, honoring exceptional Oklahoma individuals and organizations for demonstrating outstanding commitment, dedication and leadership in child abuse prevention.
“It is important we take the time to recognize the efforts of individuals and programs across the state that are going above and beyond the call of duty to reverse the trend of increased rates of child abuse and neglect in Oklahoma,” Commissioner of Health Keith Reed said. “Child maltreatment is a significant public health issue that has lifelong repercussions for those impacted. Those promoting safe, stable and nurturing environments and relationships for Oklahoma’s children are helping to reverse those trends and elevate the long-term quality of life for all Oklahomans.”
Nominations are due by close of business Thursday, February 29. 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.
Mildred Ramsey Community Innovation Award – Honors an individual or organization who has utilized innovation, relationship building, and cultural inclusion to improve the lives of children and families in the community and reduce child maltreatment.
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.
Nomination forms can be filled out here.
All nominees and nominators will be notified of the outcome no later than April 1, 2024. Awards will be presented during a special ceremony at 10 a.m., Tuesday, April 23 at the Oklahoma State Capitol, 2300 N. Lincoln Blvd., Room 100.
For more information, or to request printed forms, call the OSDH Family Support and Prevention Service at (405) 426-8060.
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.
