For Release:       Feb.17, 2011 - Pamela Williams, Office of Communications - 405/271-5601

Award Nominations Sought for Excellence in Child Abuse Prevention

The Oklahoma 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 March 16.

For the first time, these awards will be presented at a special ceremony during the annual Child Abuse Prevention Day at the State Capitol on Tuesday, April 12. The four awards to be presented are: 

1. The 2011 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 2011 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 2011 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 2011 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://go.usa.gov/gOZ  or 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 March 16.

For more information or if you have questions concerning the awards, or would like to volunteer to assist child abuse prevention efforts in Oklahoma, call OSDH OCAP at (405) 271-7611. 

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