On Thursday, October 29, 2015, Wicomico County Health Officer Lori Brewster was presented with the 2015 Outstanding Rural Health Achievement Award. This annual award is presented by the Maryland Rural Health Association, a nonprofit organization that educates and advocates for the optimal health of rural communities and their residents.
Mrs. Brewster was nominated by Wicomico County Executive Bob Culver for her active involvement in numerous community programs and her service on numerous state level committees such as the State Drug and Alcohol Council, an appointment by the Governor. Mrs. Brewster has played an instrumental role in development of programs that directly impact the health of county residents. After developing jail mental health programs in Wicomico and Dorchester counties, Lori led the merging of Wicomico mental health and substance use programs into an integrated behavioral health program. Lori also established programming to address heroin issues in the community and programs to reduce hypertension and diabetes, both of which were identified as public health issues through a Community Health Assessment.
“Lori is to be commended for her efforts to improve the health of the residents of Wicomico County,” says Dr. James Cockey, Deputy Health Officer for Wicomico County. Wicomico County Executive Bob Culver adds “Wicomico County is fortunate to have Lori Brewster as our Health Officer.”
