Peoria – The Illinois Environmental Health Association (IEHA) recognized Wil Hayes, Director of Environmental Health at Peoria City/County Health Department, as Sanitarian of the Year. Hayes received the award at the recent annual statewide conference in Bloomington. The Sanitarian of the Year award honors an outstanding environmental health professional who advances the environmental health profession through leadership and sound practice in the State of Illinois.

Carey Panier from the Illinois Environmental Health Association presented Hayes with his award and a travelling trophy for his leadership. Panier states, “Mr. Hayes commitment to environmental health issues includes expertise and advances in the areas of groundwater protection, farmers’ markets, food service sanitation, Lead hazard risk assessment, pesticide applications, wastewater treatment, and environmental health planning.”

Hayes is a graduate of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Environmental Public Health Leadership Institute and has held leadership positions in state and local environmental health organizations and task forces. Hayes works with community leaders to develop programs specifically designed to promote healthy environmental conditions and reduce risks associated with communicable disease.

For more information on environmental health programs or other public health issues, visit the Peoria City/County Health Department website at www.pcchd.org.