Prescription Monitoring Programs Alliance Honors Scott Serich, Ph.D. of The IJIS Institute

Ashburn, VA, June 16, 2012 --(PR.com)-- The IJIS Institute, a nonprofit organization that focuses on mission-critical information sharing for justice, public safety, and homeland security, announces that Scott Serich, Ph.D, a senior project manager at the Institute, was honored by the Alliance of States with Prescription Monitoring Programs (ASPMP) for his work in advancing the national sharing of prescription drug monitoring information.

The Prescription Drug Monitoring program was made possible through grant funding from the U.S. Department of Justice's (DOJ) Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA).

Acting ASPMP President Dave Hopkins presented Dr. Serich with the esteemed President’s Award on June 5 at the Alliance’s annual business meeting in Washington, D.C. Serich received the award in recognition for his “leadership in developing the Prescription Monitoring Information Exchange National Architecture” and “instrumental role in assisting the state Prescription Drug Monitoring to implement interstate interoperability.”

Said IJIS Institute Executive Director Steve Ambrosini, “Abuse of prescription drugs impacts millions of Americans from all walks of life each year. The incidence of fatalities has increased dramatically over the last five years, and has actually eclipsed deaths from illicit drugs. In response, most states have recognized prescription drug abuse as a critical issue, and have enacted legislation, education and task force programs. This recognition by the ASPMP affirms the value of information sharing in this critical area."

Dr. Serich was instrumental in implementing the PMP Information Exchange (PMIX) architecture solution that will help enable access to important information for the many PMP professionals around the country who are working to curb the losses from the epidemic of fatalities caused by unintentional prescription drug overdoses. Alliance members thanked Dr. Serich for his commitment to data sharing and recognized the importance of his efforts in reducing prescription drug abuse and diversion, and helping to save lives.

For over 20 years, Scott Serich has worked in information technology, software development, management consulting, and project and program management. He has earned three post-graduate degrees: a Ph.D. in Computer and Information Systems from the University of Michigan, an Executive MBA from Duke University, and a Juris Doctorate from Concord Law School. Dr. Serich, who holds Project Management Professional Certification, received the eC3 Excellence Award in 2008.