![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blogs.und.edu\/for-your-health\/\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2019\/05\/alison-traynor.jpg\")
Alison Traynor, Suicide Prevention Program Director for the North Dakota Department of Health and UND School of Medicine & Health Sciences (SMSH) graduate, was recently named to the de Beaumont Foundation\u2019s \u201c40 under 40 in public health\u201d list for 2019.<\/p>\n
Alison is a 2018 graduate of the SMHS Master of Public Health (MPH) Program.<\/p>\n
The de Beaumont Foundation was created in 1998 by Pete de Beaumont, who molded the organization to support efforts that improve public health in the United States. The Foundation is a national leader in Public Health, setting national priorities and advancing health at the level of policy. It\u2019s 40 under 40 list \u201crecognizes leaders in public health who are strengthening communities with new ideas, creative problem-solving, and innovative solutions.\u201d<\/p>\n
Calling herself \u201csurprised\u201d at winning the award, Traynor noted that what didn\u2019t surprise her was that her partners in public health in North Dakota would want to promote the exceptional public health work ongoing in the state.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are unsung public health heroes all over the state working in communities or universities to address everything from domestic violence to drug use to suicide,\u201d said Traynor, who was the only recipient of the award in North Dakota, having been nominated by Mylynn Tufte, state health officer for North Dakota. \u201cNo one does public health alone\u2014we all do this together.\u201d<\/p>\n
According to the de Beaumont Foundation, this national recognition is the first ever list of rising leaders in public health.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is no surprise that Alison has been recognized as one of the 40 Under 40 in Public Health by the de Beaumont Foundation,\u201d added Laura Hand, PhD, MPP, assistant professor in the UND Master of Public Health Program who worked with Traynor on suicide prevention projects at the School. \u201cDuring her time here, she consistently exemplified the values, skills, and intellectual curiosity that we strive to encourage and develop in our students. Her passion for her work in suicide prevention, excellent communication skills, and demonstrated interest in collaborative solutions contribute to her potential as transformational leader in public health.\u201d<\/p>\n