Nominations Open for 2026 Outstanding Child Abuse Prevention Awards

OKLAHOMA CITY - The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Oklahoma Child Abuse Prevention Awards, which identify and honor exemplary practices in safeguarding Oklahoma kids and promoting stable, resilient families.

“Protecting children and strengthening families is one of the most powerful investments we can make in Oklahoma’s future,” said Commissioner of Health Keith Reed. “While child maltreatment is a significant public health issue with lasting impacts, we are inspired by the many individuals and organizations who are building safe, stable and nurturing environments to help Oklahoma children thrive.”

Nominations are due by the end of the business day Friday, January 16, 2026. The online nomination form may be completed and submitted through the provided link.

There are eight categories for nominations:

Julie L. Bonner Nurse 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 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, 2026.

The awards will be presented on Friday, April 24, 2026, from 10 – 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, 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. 

###