The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) has opened nominations for its 2026 Child Abuse Prevention Awards, launching an initiative to recognise individuals and organisations working to protect vulnerable children and strengthen family stability across the state. Submissions are open until 16 January 2026, with the awards ceremony scheduled for late April.
Unveiled in Oklahoma City, the announcement reflects the state’s continued focus on child maltreatment as a major public health concern. The awards aim to highlight examples of effective prevention work and acknowledge those who contribute to the creation of safer, more resilient family environments.
In the release, Commissioner of Health Keith Reed emphasised the value of these efforts. “Protecting children and strengthening families is one of the most powerful investments we can make in Oklahoma’s future,” he said. “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.”
Award Categories and Eligibility
Eight award categories are open for nominations, each recognising a different aspect of child protection and family support work.
The Julie L. Bonner Nurse Award honours nurse home visitors who support parents by promoting healthy, nurturing environments for children. The Marian Jacewitz Award recognises individuals whose statewide contributions have significantly advanced child abuse prevention efforts.
Local impact is highlighted through the Mary Ellen Wilson Award, given to a community-level leader in child abuse prevention. Another community-focused category, the Outstanding Community Builder Award, celebrates individuals, groups or organisations that have developed impactful projects or activities that strengthen families at neighbourhood level. Nominees in this category must demonstrate innovation, leadership and a commitment to addressing both immediate and long-term needs of underserved children and families.
Frontline professionals are further acknowledged through the Outstanding Home Visitor Award, which recognises exceptional commitment to quality service. The Outstanding Elected Official Award honours an officeholder who has demonstrated leadership in preventing child maltreatment or supporting vulnerable families. Program-level achievement is recognised with the Outstanding Family Support Program Award, designed to highlight an exemplary initiative focused on prevention and family assistance.
Submission Details and Key Dates
Nominations must be submitted by the close of business on Friday, 16 January 2026. Entries can be completed online through the form provided by OSDH. All nominators and nominees will be informed of results by 1 April 2026.
The awards ceremony will take place on Friday, 24 April 2026, from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. in Room 100 at the Oklahoma State Capitol. The event is expected to draw public health officials, social care professionals, community leaders and programme representatives from across the state.
Anyone seeking more information or requesting printed nomination forms may contact LaChez’ English at [email protected].
OSDH’s Ongoing Public Health Mission
The Child Abuse Prevention Awards support OSDH’s broader mandate to protect and improve public health across Oklahoma. The department provides technical support to 68 county health departments and works closely with the independent city-county health systems in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Its prevention-focused strategies aim to reduce long-term harms linked to child maltreatment and promote safer, healthier communities.
OSDH continues to urge the public to report any concerns about child abuse or neglect. Reports can be made via the Oklahoma Child Abuse Hotline at (800) 522-3511.
Further information about OSDH’s programmes and services is available at Oklahoma.gov/health.
