State Representative Barbara Sears (R-Monclova Twp.) was recently awarded the “Ohio Legislator of the Year 2011 Award” by the Ohio Podiatric Medical Association’s Board of Trustees.

The greater American Podiatric Medical Association, which is headquartered in Bethesda, MD, is the leading resource for foot and ankle health information and represents the vast majority of an estimated 15,000 podiatrists nationwide.

“It is a privilege to work on behalf of all Ohioans to improve health care outcomes in our state, and I am honored to have received such a distinguished award from the Podiatric Medical Association, an organization dedicated to serving the needs of its clients,” said Rep. Sears. “Quality health care improves the lives of Ohioans, and ensuring these benefits are available to our residents served by our Medicaid system is critical.”

In addition to this award, in 2011 Representative Sears was presented the Champion for Children’s Health Legislative Award, the Ohio Council of Behavioral Health & Family Services Providers Legislator of the Year Award, the 2011 Hero Award from the Ohio Council for Home Care and Hospice, and the Defender of Liberty Award from the American Conservative Union.