RICHARD J. BRUECKNER, JR. RECOGNIZED AS 2018 OUTSTANDING PUBLIC HEALTH LEADER

(Salisbury, MD.) Mr. Richard J. Brueckner, Jr. was recognized as the 2018 Outstanding Public Health Leader for Wicomico County at a ceremony held April 2, 2018 at Salisbury University. The award ceremony was held in recognition of National Public Health Week, April 2-8, 2018.

Mr. Brueckner was recognized for his collaborative efforts and leadership in the development of a county wide plan to address the addiction of those charged with addiction related crimes. An integral member of the Opioid Intervention Team, Mr. Brueckner provided liaison support for Law Enforcement attendees and provided education for representatives of the healthcare sector. He was available all hours of the day and night to families of addicted individuals. His work in the past year has had a direct impact on public health through crime control that interrupted the negative impacts of opioids and through his efforts to motivate individuals to obtain treatment. Thanks in part to his efforts; Wicomico County saw a reduction in opioid related overdoses in the last year.

“The Wicomico County Health Department has been proud to work collaboratively with Mr. Richard Brueckner. He is a true advocate for individuals with substance use disorder and has participated in every facet of the fight against the opioid epidemic,” said Lori Brewster, Wicomico County Health Officer.

Mr. Brueckner is to be commended for his tireless efforts to improve the health of Wicomico County residents and for his accomplishment on being recognized as Wicomico County's 2018 Outstanding Public Health Leader.