Source: atTAcK addiction
NEWARK (Oct. 28, 2026) – At its 11th annual Be a Hero Gala, atTAcK addiction honored individuals from across the state for making a difference in the response to the opioid epidemic in Delaware and in reducing the stigma associated with the disease of substance use disorder.
With 240 people in attendance at the Oct. 22 gala at the Executive Banquet Center near Newark, the organization’s highest award – the Medal of Honor – was presented to Joanna Champney, Director of the Delaware Division of Substance Abuse and Mental (DSAMH), for her role in reducing overdose deaths across the state; increasing access to treatment and recovery services, especially for Delawareans without insurance; and expanding access to naloxone, a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose.
Champney, who was appointed as DSAMH Director in 2021, oversees the state-funded continuum of care for substance use disorder treatment and services for people with serious mental health needs as well as the Delaware Psychiatric Center. The division manages numerous federal grants, including the $38 million State Opioid Response (SOR) grant. Champney co-chairs the Delaware Addiction Action Committee and the Delaware Overdose System of Care. In 2025, she was appointed by Gov. Matt Meyer to chair the Delaware Prescription Opioid Settlement Distribution Commission, which distributes approximately $13 million to $15 million each year to programs that support the prevention, treatment and recovery needs of Delawareans.
Champney accepted the award in honor of her team at DSAMH and the people of Delaware they serve. Under her leadership, overdose deaths have decreased 41% since 2022 and more people are getting connected to treatment and recovery services. “Recovery doesn’t end when treatment ends,” Champney said.
Other gala honorees:
· Medal of Valor: Corey Ryan, Senior Outreach Coordinator with Oxford House Delaware, for his unwavering commitment to serving others, bringing people together, strengthening collaborations and pushing for new legislation, all while maintaining his own recovery.
· Persistence Award: New Light Theatre and its production of “The White Chip,” a biographical play about one man’s heartbreaking, inspiring and authentic journey to recovery from alcohol use disorder. In March, New Light Theatre produced nine performances of the play in Wilmington with atTAcK addiction as its community partner, and was inspired to pursue funding in order to offer free performances of the play in November in New Castle, Dover, Georgetown and Lewes.
· Blue Heart Award: Dana Timmons, Springboard Delaware, who is working with atTAcK addiction’s Sussex County Chapter to connect people in Kent and Sussex counties with treatment and recovery services, for speaking with compassion and being “one person deciding not to give up on another.”
· Courage Award: Michael Clemons, an employee of Impact Life, a former intern with atTAcK addiction’s Resource Center in Glasgow, and a person in long-term recovery, for teaching us that courage can take an individual on a new path – one rooted in service, recovery and purpose.
· Courage Award: Jesse Valeri, Treatment Engagement Specialist with Impact Life, for demonstrating outstanding leadership and courage in the fight against substance use disorder.
· Unsung Hero Award: Shayla Beaulieu, Training & Education Coordinator with Oxford House Delaware, for using her six years in recovery to inspire others.
· Distinguished Service Award: Karen Godfrey, a long-term volunteer with atTAcK addiction, for being committed to the atTAcK addiction mission, for showing compassion to our neighbors in need, and for being a consistently strong contributor.
· Special Recognition: Timothy’s of Newark for its annual We Are Stronger Together fundraiser held each February to reduce the stigma associated with substance use disorder, raise awareness, and support atTAcK addiction.
· Outstanding Volunteer Award: Alyssa Hayes, for embracing giving back as a regular volunteer at atTAcK addiction’s Resource Center.
· Outstanding Volunteer Award: Carolyn Thompson, a regular volunteer at atTAcK addiction’s Resource Center, annual picnic and monthly Craft Nights, for giving back in a quiet, determined and selfless way.
· atTAcK addiction Scholarship Winners: 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.”
Previous Medal of Honor winners include former Governor Jack Markell and First Lady Carla Markell, former Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long, Attorney General Kathleen Jennings, former Attorney General and Lt. Governor Matt Denn, state Sen. Stephanie Hansen, former Department of Health and Social Services Secretary Rita Landgraf, former Division of Public Health Director Dr. Karyl Rattay, Dr. Sandra Gibney, Dr. Lynn Morrison, President and CEO of Brandywine Counseling & Community Services, Dr. Janice Nevin, former President and CEO of ChristianaCare, and Peggy Geisler, Executive Director of the Sussex County Health Coalition and Delaware Goes Purple.
