For her work in medication safety and research, Allison Welsh, third-year pharmacy student at NDSU, has received the U.S. Public Health Service Excellence in Public Health Pharmacy Award.

Welsh received the award on May 3 at a presentation on the NDSU campus. Rear Admiral (Ret.) Fred Paavola (NDSU Pharmacy ’70) presented the award. Paavola is a former Chief Pharmacy Officer and Assistant Surgeon General - U.S. Public Health Service, responsible for leading more than 1,100 pharmacists during his career in USPHS. 

“Receiving the USPHS Excellence in Public Health Pharmacy Award made me feel as though the public service and time I have dedicated to population health has been recognized,” said Welsh. “My commitment to public health has only grown stronger since being honored with this award and I am excited to continue improving population health through my upcoming Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience rotations and pharmacy career."

Welsh, from Langdon, North Dakota, carried out multiple public health interventions in community pharmacy through prevention and health promotion among patients and their communities. Welsh’s outstanding accomplishments that led to the national award include:

• Designing and holding a medication safety activity for children in Walsh County, North Dakota
• Working as a research assistant on the Opioid and Naloxone Education program, a national program to stem opioid misuse disorder
• Publishing her research in multiple venues, including a peer-reviewed publication, and
• Activities in organizational leadership

Teaching medication safety habits does not have to wait until patients are adults. Welsh organized an interactive event for 55 kids aged 7 to 11, providing information and resources about safe medication practices, including storage and disposal. The event was part of Progressive Agriculture Safety Day at Langdon, North Dakota in 2022. This nationwide event promotes rural safety and health education.

Welsh’s presentation included information about medication disposal practices such as Deterra bags and medication disposal boxes. She included safe practices, such as where to store medications and how to take medicine. Welsh conducted pre- and post-tests with the children, resulting in 56 percent increased correct response about medication safety after the presentation and discussion.

The program Welsh designed is now being expanded to be delivered by other pharmacy student organizations at North Dakota State University, as pharmacists are uniquely positioned to educate the public about health risks associated with medications.

“Allison Welsh has utilized this approach to improve the health and health awareness of populations," said Dr. Mark Strand, professor in the School of Pharmacy and in the Department of Public Health at NDSU. “She goes beyond what is expected, and demonstrates innovativeness and a commitment to public health,” said Strand.

Welsh also participated in original research, serving as a co-author of the peer-reviewed publication, “A Longitudinal Comparison of Pharmacy Documentation Platforms Using the Technology Acceptance Model: Experiences With Opioid Risk Screening” in the Journal of Pharmacy Technology. In addition, Welsh’s medication safety initiative was published in NoDak Pharmacy Journal.

“Your achievements that clearly support public health illustrate the importance of incorporating core public health principles into today’s pharmacy practice,” wrote Rear Admiral Kelly Battese, of the U.S. Public Health Service, Assistant Surgeon General and Chief Professional Officer, Pharmacist, in the award letter to Welsh. “Furthermore, your demonstrated passion and dedication to advance public health and the profession of pharmacy is truly impressive.”

Welsh also participates in many on-campus organizations, often in leadership roles. She served as College of Health Professions Ambassadors Public Health Liaison, National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) Student Representative on the Dean’s Liaison Committee, NCPA Vice President and President, Phi Eta Sigma Vice President, Rho Chi Historian, and Phi Lambda Sigma National Delegate.

Welsh begins her advanced pharmacy rotations in acute care, infectious disease, oncology, geriatrics, ambulatory care, community pharmacy and other settings in North Dakota, Minnesota, and Arizona this summer.  She expects to graduate with her MBA in December 2023 and her PharmD degree in May 2024, followed by a postgraduate residency in pharmacy.

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