Mark Strand, PhD in the NDSU School of Pharmacy and NDSU Department of Public Health, was selected to receive an honorary membership from the American Pharmacists Association.
The group awards the designation to an individual who, according to APhA, “has significantly impacted public health or has created or supported the expanding role of pharmacists, the profession, or Association.”
In the announcement of the honor, APhA representatives stated that “Strand has elevated the connection between public health and pharmacy within the university, regionally, and nationally.”
Professor Strand developed a Public Health for Pharmacists course for third-year pharmacy students at NDSU, leading some students to pursue a PharmD/Master of Public Health dual degree from NDSU, while other students have pursued a career in the U.S. Public Health Service. Strand also oversees poster presentations for students who present their research at the North Dakota Pharmacists Association Annual Conference, with some going on to present their work at the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy.
Strand has been active in the North Dakota Pharmacists Association and the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy. He also was appointed to the North Dakota State Health Council for a three-year term. The council serves as the North Dakota Department of Health’s governing and advisory body.
Strand’s research approach helps join pharmacy and public health for research that addresses critical public health problems. He serves as an integral team member on the Opioid and Naloxone Education program for North Dakota and is also the senior scientist in the Center for Collaboration and Advancement in Pharmacy at NDSU, where he mentors researchers to ensure that pharmacy interventions are effectively researched and implemented.
In awarding Strand the honor, APhA representatives noted that he “has broken down the silos in the profession, resulting in dozens of collaborations and peer-reviewed publications, including award-winning research recognized by the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, and the journal Research in Social and Administrative Pharmacy.”
To receive the APhA Honorary Membership, recipients must meet several criteria, including documented activity that has significantly impacted public health or has created or supported the expanding role of pharmacists, the profession, or Association.
The APhA honor conferred at each APhA Annual Meeting and Exposition consists of a plaque, a complimentary APhA Annual Meeting and Exposition registration and reimbursement for meeting-related travel expenses at the conference being held in Orlando, Florida from March 22-25.