atTAcK addiction presented atTAcK addiction’s highest honor, the Medal of Honor, to Joanna Champney, director of the Delaware Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health, at the organization’s Oct. 22 Be a Hero Gala. Image created on 10/28 and was edited with AI.
Joanna Champney receives organization’s highest award as Delaware records sharp decline in overdose deaths
NEWARK, Del. — Delaware’s progress in reducing fatal drug overdoses — and the people working on the front lines of addiction treatment, recovery and prevention — took center stage as atTAcK addiction honored community leaders at its 11th annual Be a Hero Gala.
About 240 people attended the Oct. 22 event at the Executive Banquet Center near Newark, where Joanna Champney, director of the Delaware Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health, received the organization’s Medal of Honor, its highest recognition.
Champney was recognized for her work expanding access to addiction treatment and recovery services, increasing the availability of naloxone and helping lead Delaware’s response to the opioid epidemic.
The recognition comes as Delaware has recorded a significant reduction in overdose deaths. State figures show accidental drug intoxication deaths declined from 527 in 2023 to 314 in 2025, a decrease of more than 40%.
“Recovery doesn’t end when treatment ends,” Champney said while accepting the award on behalf of her DSAMH colleagues and the Delawareans they serve.
Champney has led DSAMH since 2021, overseeing the state-supported system of substance use disorder treatment, services for people with serious mental health needs and the Delaware Psychiatric Center. The division also manages federal funding, including a $38 million State Opioid Response grant.
She also co-chairs Delaware’s Overdose System of Care, which brings hospitals, emergency medical services, treatment providers and state agencies together to coordinate care for people experiencing overdoses or opioid use disorder.
Champney was appointed by Gov. Matt Meyer in 2025 to co-chair the Delaware Prescription Opioid Settlement Distribution Commission with Attorney General Kathy Jennings. The commission recommends and awards funding for treatment, prevention, recovery and other programs addressing the opioid crisis.
The gala also recognized Delawareans whose work ranges from direct outreach and recovery support to theater, volunteerism and efforts to reduce the stigma surrounding substance use disorder.
Corey Ryan, senior outreach coordinator with Oxford House Delaware, received the Medal of Valor for his work serving people in recovery, building collaborations and advocating for policy changes while maintaining his own recovery.
New Light Theatre received the Persistence Award for its production of “The White Chip,” a biographical play about one man’s experience with alcohol use disorder and recovery. The company staged nine performances in Wilmington in March with atTAcK addiction as its community partner and plans free performances in New Castle, Dover, Georgetown and Lewes in November.
Dana Timmons of Springboard Delaware received the Blue Heart Award for work with atTAcK addiction’s Sussex County Chapter connecting people in Kent and Sussex counties with treatment and recovery services.
Michael Clemons and Jesse Valeri, both affiliated with Impact Life, received Courage Awards. Clemons, a former intern at atTAcK addiction’s Glasgow Resource Center and a person in long-term recovery, was recognized for turning his recovery experience into service. Valeri, a treatment engagement specialist, was honored for leadership in helping people affected by substance use disorder.
Shayla Beaulieu of Oxford House Delaware received the Unsung Hero Award, while longtime atTAcK addiction volunteer Karen Godfrey received the Distinguished Service Award.
Timothy’s of Newark received special recognition for its annual We Are Stronger Together fundraiser, which supports atTAcK addiction while raising awareness and working to reduce stigma associated with substance use disorder.
Alyssa Hayes and Carolyn Thompson received Outstanding Volunteer Awards for their work at the organization’s Resource Center and community activities.
Scholarships were presented to Jennifer Calton, Chase Garrison, Samantha Jenkins, Brian Lawson, Lindsey Ogden and Francine Muti.
“So many people across our state are giving their all to help individuals access treatment and recovery services for substance use disorder and to fight the stigma associated with the disease of addiction,” said Dawn Hess-Fischer, president of atTAcK addiction. “We are proud to honor this group of leaders who are making a difference.”
The Be a Hero Gala is one of several annual events atTAcK addiction uses to recognize people working in addiction prevention and recovery and to raise awareness about substance use disorder. The organization also operates community programs and a Resource Center and provides naloxone, drug-testing supplies and connections to treatment and recovery resources.
Previous recipients of the Medal of Honor include former Gov. Jack Markell and former first lady Carla Markell, former Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long, Jennings, former Attorney General Matt Denn, state Sen. Stephanie Hansen, former state health officials Rita Landgraf and Dr. Karyl Rattay, and former ChristianaCare President and CEO Dr. Janice Nevin.
TO GO
- What: Learn more about atTAcK addiction, addiction treatment and recovery resources, volunteer opportunities and upcoming events
- Organization: atTAcK addiction
- Information: attackaddiction.org
Delaware LIVE collaborates with a network of professional journalists to cover a diverse range of stories across various fields. Staff Writers include experienced journalists and young professionals. If you have questions, please feel free to contact [email protected] or our publisher, George D. Rotsch, at [email protected]
