The Friends of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (FNIDCR) has presented its 2003 Media Award of Excellence to ABC7 New York meteorologist Sam Champion. The award is presented annually to a
journalist “who has demonstrated distinction in reporting on craniofacial, oral, and dental health research and/or in disseminating oral health information.” The award was presented at the annual Gala of the FNIDCR held at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., in November.

Mr. Champion, one of the tri-state area’s most-watched news personalities, was recognized for his “enthusiastic on-air features on oral health, including the interactions of diabetes and oral health and the possible role of periodontal disease in preterm birth, and his long-standing work with the Oral Cancer Consortium in which he aggressively promotes the importance of oral cancer exams to help reduce the 50 percent mortality from this killer disease.”

Dean Alfano nominated Mr. Champion for the award and presented it to him on a videotape shown at the gala. In presenting the award, Dean Alfano spoke of Mr. Champion’s deep commitment to improved access to health care for needy New Yorkers.

Mr. Champion responded by saying that he felt “privileged to work with NYUCD and the Oral Cancer Consortium” and expressed his hope that the relationship would continue “for years and years and years.”