ATHENS, Ohio -- Ohio University Environmental Health Coordinator Edward "Sam" Hanson recently received the 2003 Outstanding Sanitarian Award from the Ohio Environmental Health Association (OEHA).

The award was presented to him by Chuck Hart, interim director of Ohio University's Department of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), at the annual OEHA Conference in Columbus, Ohio, on April 15.

"We are very proud of Sam and grateful to the OEHA Awards Committee for their recognition of him," Hart said. "He is a valued member of the EHS team and his service to the campus community is well known. This award is a great honor for him, EHS and Ohio University."

A registered sanitarian, Hanson has been employed at Ohio University since 1994. He works with programs such as food service, vending, temporary food/catering, vector control, Greek and residence hall housing, rabies, communicable disease, solid waste, recreational sanitation, injury prevention and special events. He also serves as the department's liaison with the Athens City-County Health Department.

He teaches Ohio University courses in health sciences, environmental and occupational health and safety, food sanitation and vector control.

Prior to coming to Ohio University, Hanson worked for the Ohio Department of Health and the Wayne County Health Department.

For more information, contact Chuck Hart at (740) 593-1667 or hartc@ohio.edu.