The Shield

Building Connection: A Conversation with Dr. Mark Wilson

Addiction Prevention Coalition Season 1 Episode 20

Join us as Dr. Mark Wilson, the immediate past Health Officer of the Jefferson County Department of Health, discusses the formation of the Recovery Resource Center, the loss of his daughter, and what life will look like after retiring from the Jefferson County Department of Health.

 Dr. Wilson discusses collaborating with the Addiction Prevention Coalition and other organizations to identify needs for those with substance use disorders. This collaboration led to the formation of the Recovery Resource Center (RRC), which is now a program of the Crisis Center. The RRC was established in the Fall of 2017 as a response to the increasing opioid-related deaths occurring in Jefferson County, and the need to have a central resource to help people struggling with substance use to navigate treatment and recovery.  

 Dr. Wilson discusses what it was like to serve in a public health role during the pandemic. He also discusses the death of his daughter, Laura, who experienced mental health challenges and died by suicide in December 2022.  Dr. Wilson talks about his decision to retire, what retirement will look like for him, and his determination to stay connected to public health and patient care. 

 

www.recoveryresourcejeffco.com/
www.crisiscenterbham.org/recovery-resource-center/

 Link to podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOE6pcZH9uw