Edward Strickler, Institute Programs Coordinator, and Managing Editor, Developments in Mental Health Law

Edward Strickler, Jr., MA, MA, MPH, CHES, has served for more than a dozen years as Programs Coordinator, involved in every aspect of Institute-sponsored training programs, symposiums, and conferences, as Managing Editor of Developments in Mental Health Law, and in other support of the mission of the Institute.  Mr Strickler's academic preparation has been at Swarthmore College (BA, with Honors, in philosophical literatures and English literatures), and at the University of Virginia (MA, in religious ethics; MA, in clinical ethics; and MPH, with a focus on issues of public health policy).  Mr Strickler has studied during semesters in Thailand (Chiang Mai University) and in India ( University of Mysore ) in religious philosophy, philosophical ethics, and the arts and culture.  Before coming to the Institute Mr Strickler has worked with corporate, academic research, and community-based organizations concerned with health care services, health care access, health education, and advocacy with vulnerable populations, including seniors, persons with mental illness, persons with HIV/AIDS, and rural communities.  His public service roles include appointment to local and state level commissions, committees, and task forces, including Charlottesville Social Development Commission, the Jefferson Area Board on Aging Advisory Council, Northwestern Virginia Health Systems Agency, and since 1994 the  Virginia HIV Community Planning Committee which helps to develop the Virginia Department of Health's comprehensive statewide plan for HIV/AIDS prevention and care services.  Mr Strickler was appointed by the Governor to the Virginia Council on Human Rights in 2009.  He was appointed by Charlottesville City Council to its Human Rights Study Task Force in 2012.  His recent roles in professional service include election as the 2011 Program Chair of the American Public Health Association's Ethics Special Interest Group, founding member of the Board of Directors of the Virginia AntiViolence Project, and co-facilitator with the Charlottesville area's sustained Dialogue on Race.   Recent awards include recognition among University of Virginia Equal Opportunity Champions (2009) and recognition among Outstanding Virginians by Equality Virginia (2012).  Mr Strickler has presented on community health and public health services research and planning (particularly planning for HIV/AIDS prevention services and syndemic aspects of HIV/AIDS prevention and care), cultural competency issues of health care providers and organizations (particularly regarding work with marginalized communities and populations), and collaborative strategies to improve community health (including collaborations with faith communities and collaborations across diverse community agencies).  In 2011, he had three abstracts accepted to the LGBTI Health Summit (July 2011); and had three abstracts accepted to the 2011 Annual Meeting of the American Public Health Association.   Mr Strickler resides in the historic James River village of Scottsville with his partner of more than 30 years (without any recognition or protection for their relationship under Virginia Law).