Carma Hanson Honored for Receiving Friend of Medicine Award

Posted 10/12/23 (Thu)

Carma Hanson

Coordinator for SafeKids Grand Forks of Altru Health System

Carma Hanson, Coordinator for SafeKids Grand Forks of Altru Health System, was recognized during the North Dakota Medical Association’s (NDMA) Annual Meeting for being the 2023 recipient of the Friend of Medicine Award.

Each year, NDMA honors an outstanding individual for serving as an effective advocate for health care and patient services in North Dakota.

Carma was nominated by NDMA member and Physician Advisory Group Chair Dr. Joan Connell. Dr. Connell’s accolades to Carma’s public service efforts are acknowledged by many in both the private and public service sectors. She has made public health a priority by advocating for initiatives and programs such as SafeKids, the Sunshine Hospitality Home, the importance of public safety and seat belt usage, and more.

When it comes to public safety, for 12 years Carma worked tirelessly advocating for the passage of the primary seat belt law, which passed just this year. Due to her dedication, she was given an honor roll and appreciation award by the Vision Zero conference team in May of this year.

“She has dedicated her entire life to being passionate about serving the community and advocating for health,” said Dr. Connell. “Since the beginning of her career, she was recognized numerous times for her passion and dedication to helping others.”

Carma began her career in 1989 as a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurse at Altru Health in Grand Forks. Her passion led her to be recognized as Nurse of the Quarter by Altru’s Professional Nurse Committee. Later, she served as manager of the NICU and pediatrics unit for many years before assuming her full-time role at SafeKids.

NDMA, a member organization dedicated to protecting physician practices and patient care, created the Friend of Medicine Award in 1999. The award formally acknowledges non-physician citizens who have distinguished themselves by serving as effective advocates for health care, patient services, or the profession of medicine in North Dakota.