For Release: June 17, 2010 
Contact: Pamela Williams
Office of Communications
(405) 271-5601

Award Nominations Sought for Excellence in Child Abuse Prevention

The State Interagency Child Abuse Prevention Task Force and the Office of Child Abuse Prevention (OCAP) at the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) are accepting nominations for awards to recognize persons and organizations for their demonstrated outstanding commitment and dedication to child abuse prevention in Oklahoma. Nominations are due by Aug.4.

Awards will be presented at the 18^th Annual Child Abuse and Neglect and Healthy Families Conference during opening session on Wednesday, Sept. 1, at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center in Norman, OK.

The four awards to be presented are: 

1. The 2010 Outstanding Elected Official Award, which is given to recognize an elected official for distinguished service on behalf of children and families in Oklahoma. 
2. The 2010 Marion Jacewitz Award, which is given to recognize an individual in Oklahoma who has made significant contributions to the prevention of child abuse on a statewide level.
3. The 2010 Outstanding Child Abuse Prevention Program Award, which is given to recognize an exceptional community program that has an emphasis in child abuse prevention.
4. The 2010 Mary Ellen Wilson Award, which is given to recognize an individual who has demonstrated outstanding commitment and dedication to child abuse prevention activities in his or her community.

Nomination forms may be downloaded directly from the OSDH Web site at:

http://fsps.health.ok.gov and click on nominations for ITF awards under “Special Announcements” in the right column.  Forms can also be requested by contacting the OSDH Family Support and Prevention Services at (405) 271-7611. Once completed, nomination forms can be e-mailed to sheriet@health.ok.gov, or you can print the form, complete and mail it to:  Sherie Trice, Family Support and Prevention Service, OSDH Family Health Services, 1000 NE 10th Street, Oklahoma City, OK  73117-1299.

Nominations are due by close of business August 4. For more information or if you have questions about the awards or would like to volunteer to assist child abuse prevention efforts in our state, call OCAP at (405) 271-7611. 

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