North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum has appointed Professor Mark Strand in NDSU Pharmacy Practice and NDSU Department of Public Health to a three-year term on the North Dakota State Health Council.

“It is my goal that North Dakotans have the opportunity to enjoy the optimal level of health they possibly can, and that the people of North Dakota are able to flourish in every way. To that end, it's an honor to serve the state in which I was born and raised,” said Strand.

The council serves as the North Dakota Department of Health’s governing and advisory body. It also establishes standards, rules and regulations which are found necessary to maintain public health and it monitors the quality of health care in North Dakota.

“Your willingness to share your time and perspective is valuable as we advance the interests of our state. The Health Council will benefit greatly from your diligent work as you help fulfill its mission and duties while also enhancing its capabilities,” wrote Governor Burgum in the letter of appointment to Dr. Strand.

“As a land grant institution, NDSU has the obligation and the privilege of applying our research and our education to serve the people of North Dakota. Serving on the State Health Council will allow me to be a steward of the experiences and opportunities I have had and ensure that they are used to benefit all,” said Strand.

The council's nine members are appointed by the governor for three-year terms. Four members are appointed from the health care provider community and five from the public sector. Strand's three-year term on the council extends until July 31, 2024.

In addition to being a professor in Pharmacy Practice and in Public Health, Strand serves as senior scientist in the NDSU Center for Collaboration and Advancement in Pharmacy, serves an Editorial Board member of the American Journal of Public Health, and a principal investigator for the Opioid and Naloxone Education Program.

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