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During a 15-year career, Dr. Matthew Rossheim – associate professor of health administration and health policy at The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth School of Public Health – has taken on some of the most critical public health concerns facing communities today.

He has researched and advocated for effective alcohol, tobacco and cannabis prevention and control policies. He is an internationally-recognized expert on the dangers of supersized alcopops, potent fruit-flavored alcoholic drinks that have come under fire for their disproportionately high consumption and associated harms among underage drinkers. In recent years, Dr. Rossheim has focused on a new and significant area of research:  the risks posed by derived, intoxicating cannabis products, that are widely sold in vape shops across the U.S. These harmful products, Rossheim reported, are circumventing cannabis laws in ways that make them appealing and accessible to young adults and even children.

Using public health research to inform advocacy efforts that create healthier communities has been the backbone of Rossheim’s career. In recognition of his impactful work, he has been selected to receive the prestigious Public Health Advocate of the Year award by the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America, a nonprofit organization representing over 7,000 community coalitions involving schools, law enforcement, youth, parents, health care, media, tribal communities and others. CADCA’s membership spans every U.S. state and territory and more than 30 countries around the world. CADCA is committed to creating safe, healthy and drug-free communities globally.

“This award recognizes outstanding individuals whose research and advocacy efforts have profoundly influenced public health policy,” said U.S. Army retired major general Dr. Barrye L. Price, CADCA president and CEO.

Dr. Price noted that Rossheim’s work “has played a pivotal role in supporting federal and state efforts to ban intoxicating hemp-derived products, which have posed major threats to public health and safety.”

“You have established yourself as not only a national expert on this topic, but also an invaluable ally to fellow public health advocates, epitomizing the spirit and purpose of this award. Your relentless pursuit of protecting public health – including conducting impactful research, developing and disseminating advocacy materials and providing timely feedback on health advisories and legislative language – has not gone unnoticed,” Price added.

The CADCA award, Price noted, serves as a testament to Rossheim’s “tireless commitment” and as an acknowledgement from the broader community and peers regarding the “substantial impact” of Rossheim’s work in protecting public health and safety.

“I am deeply honored to receive this award,” Rossheim said. “However, this work is far from a solo effort. It reflects the collective successes of many dedicated teams.

“I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with talented and passionate mentors and colleagues on both research and advocacy projects. I extend my sincere gratitude to all of my collaborators, including my research and advocacy teams, HSC for supporting research that drives meaningful public health improvements, and CADCA leadership – particularly public policy consultant Sue Thau and her team – for helping connect this research to lawmakers and community advocates. I look forward to continuing our work together.”

The organization will formally present the award at CADCA’s annual forum in February 2025.

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