Collectively supporting thousands of Vermonters, since 2015.

Carving a Path for Community

In 2013, the Emergency Department (ED) staff at Central Vermont Medical Center (CVMC) identified a critical gap in our region's healthcare system: a lack of integrated care for patients with substance use disorders due to siloed care between the medical community and substance use treatment providers. At that time, patients were discharged with outdated lists of community resources, reflecting a belief that individuals should independently seek help. To close this gap, CVMC initiated universal Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) in our ED in 2014, with widespread staff involvement. This initiative, in line with Vermont's Hub and Spoke treatment model, quickly expanded to our Primary Care and Women’s Health practices within two years, bolstering our network of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) providers.

The Formation of the Washington County Substance Abuse Regional Partnership

Recognizing the necessity of establishing stronger ties with regional resources for harm reduction, prevention, treatment, and recovery, the Washington County Substance Abuse Regional Partnership (WCSARP) was established in 2015. Comprising state and local agencies, nonprofits, individuals with lived experiences, and CVMC, WCSARP facilitated collaborative efforts, shared protocols, and enhanced care coordination. Positive patient outcomes ensued, including increased access to community-based medically-assisted alcohol withdrawal in 2017, MAT induction with HIV/Hepatitis B and C screening in the ED in 2018, and the introduction of 24/7 peer recovery interventionists in the ED in 2018. Our initiatives served as models for organizations across Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.

In 2020, WCSARP embarked on a journey to ensure sustainability by implementing a federally funded strategic plan spanning three years. The plan aimed to fortify operational leadership, assess the impact of COVID-19 on the care system, combat stigma, address substance use root causes, and broaden access to harm reduction tools, treatment, and recovery services. Despite the hurdles posed by the pandemic, the organization rebranded as the Central Vermont Prevention Coalition (CVPC) and continued to convene monthly, expanding its membership, scope, and impact. With a dedicated full-time coordinator complementing its physician lead and a membership roster of 30, CVPC launched new initiatives with the investment of Board-Designated Funds, including the Refocus on Alcohol Dependence (ROAD) program in 2021, expanded harm reduction supply access throughout CVMC Primary Care Practices, Women’s Health, and ExpressCare, the Central Vermont NaloxBox Project in 2022, and our community post-overdose response pilot, Project BEACON, in 2023. CVPC's innovative endeavors garnered local and national recognition, leading to presentations at conferences regionally and nationwide.

Evolution to CVPC

As we approach CVPC’s 10-year anniversary, we look forward to a permanent home at CVMC with dedicated public health and medical leadership. These leaders will focus on sustaining and expanding our membership, scope, and impact, with an emphasis on fostering community partnerships and broadening our reach. Establishing a stable base is crucial as we confront emerging drug threats like xylazine and strive to deliver high-value care to our patients. A permanent home will also enhance support for our local business community and solidify CVPC’s role as a trusted steward of philanthropic and state funding for regional public health initiatives.

This time of transition for CVPC marks a promising phase for growth, reinforcing our commitment to addressing evolving substance use challenges. By solidifying our presence, we can more effectively collaborate with stakeholders, increase public awareness, and establish enduring programs with lasting effects.

Looking Towards the Future

MEET OUR TEAM

Eva Zaret, MPH

PROJECT DIRECTOR
Eva Zaret is a public health specialist and co-leader of the Central Vermont Prevention Coalition, where she works to build community-driven strategies that prevent and reduce substance use. With a strong focus on collaboration, equity, and systems-level change, she brings a deep understanding of both public health and local needs. Her work supports sustainable, cross-sector solutions that center the voices and strengths of the community.
Marissa Patrick, ANP

NURSE PRACTITIONER
Marissa Patrick is a Primary Care Nurse Practitioner at Central Vermont Medical Center and co-leads the Central Vermont Prevention Coalition through a dyad leadership model that unites medicine and public health. A passionate advocate for addressing substance use in clinical and community settings, she brings both medical expertise and a deep commitment to prevention, early intervention, and compassionate care. Her leadership has been instrumental in bridging healthcare and community efforts to support individuals and families impacted by substance use.
Javad Mashkuri, MD

CO-FOUNDER
Javad Mashkuri, MD, is an Emergency Medicine Physician at Central Vermont Medical Center and a longtime leader in substance use treatment and recovery in the region. A former medical director of the Emergency Department, he has helped transform the way care is delivered to individuals with substance use disorders through innovative, community-based approaches. Dr. Mashkuri is a passionate advocate for reducing stigma, improving access, and fostering collaboration across healthcare and social service systems. His work has earned national recognition, including the 2024 NAADAC Medical Professional of the Year Award.
Mark Depman, MD

CO-FOUNDER
Mark Depman, MD was an Emergency Medicine Physician at Central Vermont Medical Center whose career combined clinical excellence with a deep commitment to community health and connection. Serving as medical director and regional physician leader, he helped reimagine emergency care as a gateway to long-term wellness—particularly for patients affected by addiction, isolation, and unmet social needs. A passionate advocate for collaborative, whole-person care, he co-founded the Central Vermont Prevention Coalition and worked to build durable bridges between hospitals and community services. Dr. Depman passed away in November 2024 after a courageous journey with cancer, leaving a lasting legacy of compassion, leadership, and healing.