HAMPTON, Va. – (July 15, 2020) – Hampton University PharmD student Tiffany Alfred is the 2020 recipient of the Harvey B. Morgan Award for Advancing Health Policy. This award, given on behalf of the Virginia Pharmacists Association (VPhA), recognizes and honors a future pharmacist who demonstrates service, activity, and commitment in professional policy development and advocacy for improved healthcare. As part of the award, Alfred will receive a $1,000 check, plaque, and a stipend for registration to attend the VPhA Annual meeting.
“Congratulations to Ms. Tiffany Alfred on the receipt of this highly competitive award given by the Virginia Pharmacists Association. She deserves to be commended for her service and commitment to pharmacy,” said Hampton University President, Dr. William R. Harvey.
Due to COVID-19, the VPhA Annual Meeting, which was going to be held in Virginia Beach, had to cancel their live meeting and will be conducting the meeting virtually. During that time, the VPhA Foundation will virtually “present” the check and award to Alfred.
“I am still in shock that I was named for this award! I am the type of person that does for the community, strangers, friends and loved ones, not for the recognition, but just for the principle. Where there is a need, I hope to assist in the solution. In 2019, I never thought that by me taking the initiative to plan a Diabetes Clinic at Cornerstone City of Refuge Church in Virginia Beach and an Influenza Clinic in Smithfield, I would see the influence it caused. The best part about these experiences was being able to use my training as a gateway to educate many community members about diabetes, cholesterol, preventing infection, lifestyle modifications, and much more,” Alfred said. “Being the recipient of this award is nothing short of a true honor for my family and me. As I continue to learn how to celebrate what I work towards, I am truly humbled by the recognition and I am inspired to continue to impact.”
Alfred, who is from Virginia Beach, has a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from Norfolk State University. She started at Hampton University in 2017 as a PharmD student and will graduate in May 2021. Alfred is currently on pharmacy rotations at The Prescription Shoppe in Williamsburg, an independent pharmacy owned by Dr. Henry Kyle Ranger, HU graduate class of 2011. “I am learning quite a bit there, while also enjoying the atmosphere they have cultivated for their patients. It’s definitely been a great experience,” Alfred said. She also presided over the Hampton Chapter of the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA), was CIC Chair for the Student National Pharmaceutical Association (SNPhA), and a member of the Virginia Pharmacists Association (VPhA).
“I am extremely proud of Ms. Alfred and the wonderful work that she has been doing in the community and within the various students organizations at the School. Tiffany is truly deserving of this honor and embodies all of the qualities associated with this award. I look forward to many more of her achievements in the future,” said Dr. Anand Iyer, Dean of the Hampton University School of Pharmacy.
Some of the qualifications for the Harvey B. Morgan Award include:
- Have demonstrated exceptional service, activity and commitment in the area of policy development and related activity.
- Have applied their knowledge of pharmacy and policy to provide education and information to citizens, public officials and pharmacy students/professionals.
- Be in good standing of their student organization (APhA-ASP) and VPhA.
“When nominated for the Harvey Morgan Award for Advancing Health Policy, nominees are already recognized at their schools for demonstrating the Award’s criteria and honored with the letter of recommendation and nomination. We were thrilled at Tiffany’s qualifications and her nomination packet assured us she was an exceptional candidate for the award,” said Rebecca Snead, Executive Vice President/CEO of the National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations.
After graduation, Alfred wants to continue in the public health field. “I hope to use my doctorate to target health disparities on a national scale. I don’t know the details of how I will do this, but in due time, I believe God will order every step to my destination,” Alfred said. She also loves the arts, such as music, poetry and singing, so Alfred plans to explore music in the future as well.