Health executive starts today, as dispensaries get inventory to sell to patients

Linthicum, MD (Dec. 1, 2017) – Joy A. Strand has joined the Natalie M. LaPrade Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission as its executive director today. Strand, who has more than 40 years’ experience in healthcare, arrives as licensed companies begin to provide their medical products to qualified patients.

Most recently, Strand served as the chief executive officer of McCready Health in Crisfield. Among her accomplishments while leading the multi-facility system, she helped establish, in collaboration with two other hospitals, an outreach grant program that expanded access, addressed chronic care issues and enhanced case management services to improve population health outcomes in the Lower Eastern Shore region. Before that role, she served for five years as administrator and chief operating officer of Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital in Dowagiac, MI, overseeing the $3.5 million expansion of the facility’s emergency department and recruiting more than 13 physicians, among other achievements. These roles were preceded by other leadership and healthcare positions. Strand also was chosen to participate in the 25th class of Leadership Maryland, a professional development program comprising local business and community leaders.

“We are thrilled to have Joy A. Strand take the helm of the Commission,” said Brian P. Lopez, chairman of the commission. “With her successive roles in healthcare leadership, she has extensive experience helping to identify the pieces and professionals needed to strengthen patient-focused systems, in addition to working well with the business community.”

Licensed companies have stocked medical cannabis products at dispensaries today for sales to physician-qualified patients to begin. Strand succeeds Patrick Jameson, who announced his resignation last month.

“We are thrilled to have Joy A. Strand take the helm of the Commission,” said Brian P. Lopez, chairman of the commission. “With her successive roles in healthcare leadership, she has extensive experience helping to identify the pieces and professionals needed to strengthen patient-focused systems, in addition to working well with the business community.” Licensed companies have stocked medical cannabis products at dispensaries today for sales to physician- qualified patients to begin. Strand succeeds Patrick Jameson, who announced his resignation last month.

The Natalie M. LaPrade Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission develops policies, procedures, and regulations to implement programs that ensure medical cannabis is available to qualifying patients in a safe and effective manner. The Commission oversees all licensing, registration, inspection, and testing measures pertaining to Maryland’s medical cannabis program and provides relevant program information to patients, physicians, growers, dispensers, processors, testing laboratories and caregivers.