OSDH Honors Individuals Working to Support Families and Prevent Child Abuse

OKLAHOMA CITY - The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) honored individuals and programs across the state for their outstanding commitment, dedication and leadership in child abuse prevention at an annual awards ceremony held on April 24 at the Oklahoma State Capitol.  

“Preventing child abuse begins with supporting and strengthening families,” said Lorri Essary, director of the Family Support and Prevention Service at OSDH. “Which is essential for building strong, healthy communities and those we recognized this year play a vital role in making that possible.” 

The 2026 Oklahoma Outstanding Child Abuse Prevention Award winners are: 

• Kenzie Stephens – Julie L. Bonner Nurse Home Visiting Award (Parent Child Center of Tulsa – Family Connects) 

• Te’Ata Gentle Springs Loper – Marian Jacewitz Award (Oklahoma Indian Child Welfare Association) 

• Kayxandra “KC” Campbell – Mary Ellen Wilson Award (Child Advocacy Center of Central Oklahoma) 

• Lilyfield’s Westwood Community Collaborative – Outstanding Community Builder Award 

• Rep. Tammy West – Outstanding Elected Official Award (Oklahoma House of Representatives HD 84 

• Bright Beginnings – Outstanding Family Support Award (Parent Child Center of Tulsa – Bright Beginnings) 

• Krystal Claxton – Outstanding Home Visitor Award (Parent Child Center of Tulsa – Parents as Teachers) 

• Lacey McCause – Mildred Ramsey Community Innovation Award (Fathers Empowered Program at Circle of Care, Inc.) 

• Katerina Alder – Oklahoma Parent Leadership Award (Bixby, Okla.) 

• Lacreshia Jackson - Oklahoma Parent Leadership Award (Tulsa, Okla.) 

• Tracy Hunt - Oklahoma Parent Leadership Award (Tulsa, Okla.)  

Learn about the purpose of each award.

View photos from the event.

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. 

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