Each year, the Prevention Awards of Excellence recognizes outstanding prevention professionals, community members, youth, and coalitions for their exemplary contributions to substance use disorder prevention and mental health promotion across Washington state.
The awards are made possible by a volunteer review team, which provides feedback on the past year’s nomination materials and process as well as reviews the current year’s nominations. This year, we're hoping to firm up the list of Review Team members by Friday, January 16, 2026.
What is involved?
- January – February: Volunteers review the previous year’s overview and nomination packet documents and make suggestions on materials and process improvements, including how to encourage more participation.
- April – June: This is the award nomination period. There are no duties or meetings during this time.
- July: During the last two weeks of July, volunteers review and rate nominations. Each nomination review takes about 30 - 45 minutes. Total review time is dependent upon the number of nominations received.
- October - December: Review Team members may be asked to review the 2026 process and make suggestions for improvement.
DBHR staff and grantees must receive supervisor/prevention manager approval and include this in their email to Martha.
Want to be on the team?
Martha Williams is looking for five to six prevention professionals of varying experience levels to join this year’s review team. Please email Martha Williams to join the team or learn more!