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American Academy of Sanitarians
The American Academy of Sanitarians (AAS) is a network of sanitarians providing recognition of outstanding competence of professional practice in the field of environmental health. The four-part mission of the academy, includes: elevating the standards, improving the practice, advancing the professional proficiency, and promoting the highest levels of ethical conduct among professional sanitarians in every field of environmental health. Through a process of evaluation by peers, the academy recognizes Diplomates, who are qualified persons attaining high professional stature through leadership and accomplishment in the practice of environmental health. HistoryThe origins of the academy may be traced to the formation of a Sanitarians Joint Council in November, 1956 at the annual meeting of the American Public Health Association in Atlantic City, NJ. Founding members included the APHA, the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA), and the International Association for Food Protection (IAFP). Objectives of the Council included: 1) developing a uniform definition of "sanitarian"; 2) promoting the professional status of the sanitarian; 3) developing a specialty board to recognize sanitarians; 4) drafting uniform law for the registration of sanitarians; and 5) developing common educational and experiential requirements for the professional practice of sanitarian. From these early efforts, the academy was formerly incorporated in the State of Indiana on March 14, 1966.[1][2][3] InitiativesThe academy cooperates with related organizations, including the American Public Health Association, National Environmental Health Association, International Association for Food Protection, and others as leaders of professional practice. Many members of the academy serve in the uniformed services, including the United States Public Health Service and the United States Army, in the role of Environmental Health Officer.[4][5] Members of the academy assist in the accreditation of environmental health programs by the National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council.[6] In partnership with the National Environmental Health Association, the academy provides financial sponsorship for scholarships for students pursuing higher education in environmental health.[7] RecognitionThe academy operates three programs to recognize excellence in environmental health. Certification as a Diplomate of the American Academy of Sanitarians (DAAS) may be awarded to professionally credentialed environmental health practitioners with qualities of outstanding competence and leadership, which are assessed through a formal process of evaluation by peers.[8] As of 2024, a total of 615 individuals had obtained DAAS status. In 1999, the academy created the certification of Diplomate Laureate of the American Academy of Sanitarians (DLAAS) to recognize Diplomates who have demonstrated continuing outstanding commitment, leadership, and accomplishment in the environmental health profession beyond the criteria used to evaluate Diplomates. As of 2024, a total of 14 individuals had obtained DLAAS status. These include:
In 1980, the academy established the Davis Calvin Wagner Award, which represents the highest honor and recognition the academy can bestow upon a Diplomate for outstanding professional work, accomplishments, and contributions to the sanitarian profession. Past winners include:
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