Jim McGuinness Award
DR. JULIO I. ROJAS
Dr. Julio I. Rojas, a devoted Clinical Professor, dedicated over 15 years to the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at OU College of Medicine. Specializing in addiction, mental illness, and trauma, he co-developed Execucare and contributed to INTEGRIS, Arcadia Trails, and Center for Addiction Recovery. Dr. Rojas actively addresses the opioid epidemic with the Citizen Potawatomi Nation and played a pivotal role in workforce development in rural communities. His leadership extends to state and national levels, including serving as past-president of the Oklahoma Psychological Association. With a doctoral degree from the University of Georgia, Dr. Rojas is a licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Licensed Health Service Psychologist, and a respected expert in the field.
Community Impact Award
THE KELLEY CLUB
The Kelley Club holds local significance as a community clubhouse where Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings are held, offering a space for individuals to work towards achieving and maintaining sobriety. Beginning in June 1946, the Kelley Club provided a dedicated venue for the Oklahoma City AA group, which had been established in September 1941, to support Oklahomans on their journey to permanent sobriety through its twelve-step program. As the oldest clubhouse to host AA meetings west of the Mississippi, the Kelley Club holds historical importance within the AA community.
Trailblazer Award
REGGIE WHITTEN
Reggie Whitten, co-founder of Whitten Burrage Law Firm, led the first U.S. opioid trial resulting in the Purdue settlement and the National Center for Wellness and Recovery. He facilitated the transfer of crucial genetic samples for nonaddictive painkiller research and played a key role in creating Arcadia Trails. Reggie, an adjunct professor at Oklahoma State University, co-founded the Whitten-Newman Foundation, F.A.T.E., and produced the Emmy-winning docuseries Killing Pain. His philanthropy extends to educational programs, epilepsy awareness, and anti-stigma campaigns, earning him various awards. Behind the scenes, Reggie quietly continues his relentless efforts to help those struggling with addiction, drawing on his personal tragedy to make a meaningful impact.