Award honors the life and work of one of central Vermont’s most impactful advocates for advancing treatment and reducing stigmas around substance use disorders.
Montpelier, VT (2/17/25) - The Vermont Association for Mental Health and Addiction Recovery (VAMHAR) is thrilled to announce the introduction of the Dr. Mark Depman Trailblazer Award, a new honor that will be presented for the first time at Recovery Day 2025.
The Award was created to honor the life and work of the late Mark Depman, MD. Dr. Depman joined University of Vermont Health Network – Central Vermont Medical Center in 2007, as an attending physician in the hospital’s Emergency Department (ED), and served as ED medical director for seven years. He also served as a regional physician leader for University of Vermont Health Network and a member of the hospital’s Board of Trustees.
In addition to his work as a clinical leader and hospital trustee, Dr. Depman also served as a driving force in the development of the Central Vermont Prevention Coalition, a leading Vermont collaboration addressing substance use challenges. The Coalition brings together central Vermont-based providers of treatment services as well as business, service and government leaders, with the goal of problem-solving and advancing treatment for individuals with substance use disorders and maintaining continuity of care as individuals transition out of the hospital and into community-based treatment and recovery programs.
"Mark’s role as the driving force behind our central Vermont coalition is well known, and there is much to say about that. What is less well-known is his groundbreaking work addressing stigma within his own hospital and his strong support for peer recovery coaches as long as ten years ago,” said Bob Purvis, executive director of Turning Point Center of Central Vermont, who proposed honoring Dr. Depman by creating the award. “I will always be grateful for Mark’s strong support of our staff and his embrace of our recovery coaches as respected partners in treating his patients."
A beloved physician, mentor, and advocate who dedicated his career to improving care for individuals struggling with substance use disorders, Dr. Depman passed away on Nov. 11, 2024, more than two years after being diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer. His unwavering commitment to harm reduction, treatment access, and recovery support left an incredible mark on Vermont’s healthcare and recovery landscape. The award will honor those who embody Dr. Depman’s spirit, leading the way toward a more compassionate and effective recovery and healthcare system.
“We are privileged to establish this award in memory of Dr. Depman, whose work has profoundly impacted the lives of so many Vermonters,” said Daniel Franklin, Executive Director of VAMHAR. “His legacy serves as an inspiration for all of us working in the recovery movement, and this award will celebrate individuals who are pushing the boundaries to create meaningful and long lasting change.”
“Dr. Depman was a visionary physician and leader. His deep commitment to advancing evidence-based systems of care and his approach reduced the stigma for individuals with substance use challenges,” said Anna Tempesta Noonan, president and chief operating officer of UVM Health Network – Central Vermont Medical Center. “The work he led continues to serve as a model for communities throughout our region and nation. The recognition of Mark’s impact through the naming of this award couldn’t be more well-deserved. We are grateful to VAMHAR and the many dedicated individuals throughout this system of care who, through their work, carry his legacy forward.”
Dr. Depman will be the first recipient of award, recognizing his lifelong dedication to improving addiction recovery. Dr. Depman’s wife, Kimberly Adams, MD, and son, Charlie, will accept the award on his behalf at 10:15 am on Wednesday, February 19, during Recovery Day 2025.
The award will be presented by Javad Mashkuri, MD, an ED physician and longtime colleague of Dr. Depman’s at UVM Health Network – Central Vermont Medical Center; and Eva Zaret, MPH, director of CVPC. Both are close friends of Dr. Depman, whose shared commitment to compassionate care and advocacy has shaped Vermont’s system of care. The moment will serve as a powerful acknowledgment of Dr. Depman’s lasting impact and a celebration of the values he championed throughout his life.
“Mark was brilliant, inspiring and a fierce advocate for treating substance use with compassion and equity. His grant writing brought millions of dollars to central Vermont, transforming care and recovery opportunities for our community,” said Dr. Mashkuri. “Beyond his professional impact, Mark was a gifted artist, mentor and beloved husband, father, son and brother. As we continue our mission, may we honor his legacy by striving to do better for those we serve, and recognize those who do with this award.”
The Dr. Mark Depman Trailblazer Award will be presented annually at Recovery Day, Vermont’s premier gathering to celebrate the power of recovery, reduce stigma, and advocate for policies that support individuals and families affected by addiction.
For more information about Recovery Day 2025, please visit vamhar.org/recovery-day
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About VAMHAR:
The Vermont Association for Mental Health and Addiction Recovery (VAMHAR) envisions communities that actively embrace the full spectrum of the human experience with compassion and acceptance, celebrating all pathways to healing. VAMHAR is dedicated to supporting individuals affected by mental health and substance use challenges through advocacy, education, and community engagement.
The University of Vermont Health Network - Central Vermont Medical Center
Central Vermont Medical Center is the primary health care provider for 66,000 people who live and work in the 26 communities of central Vermont. We provide 24-hour emergency care, with a full spectrum of inpatient (licensed for 122 beds) and outpatient services. Our professional staff includes over 200 physicians and 70 advanced practice providers representing 25 medical specialties.
Central Vermont Medical Center is a health care partner of The University of Vermont Health Network. The University of Vermont Health Network is a six-hospital, and home health & hospice, system designed to offer highly integrated health care across the communities of Vermont and northern New York.