Media Release

FOR: Immediate Release
DATE: January 26, 2001
CONTACT: Robert Marshall, Ph.D., 222-1017

Department of Health Recognizes Contribution of Transportation Officials

Dr. William Ankner (DOT) and Edward Walsh Receive Award

Yesterday, the RI Department of Health (HEALTH) presented the James E. Carney Public Health Legislative Award for 2000 to Dr. William Ankner, Director of the RI Department of Transportation (DOT), and Edward Walsh, Chief of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (DOT). Dr. Patricia Nolan, Director of HEALTH, presented the awards this morning during a staff meeting.

Reasons for the award included efforts over the previous year by Dr. Ankner and Mr. Walsh to reduce the number of drunk drivers on RI roads and promote highway safety policies and legislation including:

• Lowering the blood alcohol content (BAC) for drunk driving from .10 to .08
• Requiring child restraints in passenger vehicles
• Establishing a fine for failing to use seat belts
• Implementing the graduated driver’s license for youth.

"These policies will have a tremendous effect on reducing injuries and deaths due to highway crashes—particularly as related to driving while intoxicated," said Dr. Nolan. "Efforts such as these not only protect the public health, but represent the best traditions of public service."

HEALTH presents the award each year to commemorate the more than 15 years of service by James E. Carney as Assistant Director of Health. During Mr. Carney’s tenure, the RI General Assembly established several groundbreaking policies, such as the children’s Universal Immunization program, and laws prohibiting smoking in schools. The annual award recognizes Rhode Islanders who "have been instrumental in the promotion or enactment of legislation which has advanced the aims or mission of public health."

Past recipients include: Senator Thomas Izzo (1995), Representative George Zainyeh, (1996), Representative Nancy Benoit (1997), Senator Charles J. Fogarty (1998), US Senator John H. Chafee (1999).