Health Officer Receives FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award

LEONARDTOWN, MD (March 7, 2018) – St. Mary’s County Health Officer, Meena Brewster, MD, has been selected as the recipient of the 2017 FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award (DCLA).  The DCLA award was created in 1990 as a way to honor individuals and organizations for their efforts in combating terrorism, cybercrime, illegal drugs, gangs, and other crimes leading to violence in America. Dr. Brewster is one of 56 individuals or organizations across the country to receive the award this year for service above and beyond the call of duty.

Dr. Brewster is being recognized for her dedication and commitment to working with law enforcement, other government entities and the community to combat the nation’s opioid crisis as she educates the community on awareness, prevention and treatment.  She leads the local health department’s efforts to provide resources to the community and implement interventions to address the opioid drug crisis.

“It is an honor to be recognized with the DCLA award,” said Dr. Brewster. “Addressing the escalating opioid crisis is truly a team effort of many community partners and residents. Our health department team is fortunate to have great partnerships with our local law enforcement, behavioral health treatment providers, first responders, hospital, schools, public libraries, and county government, as well as many other community organizations and individuals who have mobilized to address the opioid epidemic. By coordinating our efforts, we can better assist our community with drug prevention, treatment options, and long-term recovery.”

Dr. Brewster will be personally recognized at an awards ceremony to be held in Washington, D.C. on April 20, 2018.

For more information about local efforts to address the opioid crisis, please visit www.smchd.org/opioid

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