Paul Edward Bowman, an advocate of recovery who worked closely with the methadone and buprenorphine community, died late last year. The 58-year-old was a peer recovery coach for Massachusetts General Hospital, South End Community Health Center, and at the time of his death, Boston Medical Center.
He died on November 28.
Bowman received the Richard Lane/Robert Holden Patient Advocacy Award from the American Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence. His Great Dane, Natalie, accompanied him everywhere, and was also a star of dog shows. He also drove Nellie the Clydesdale through the city of Boston, which he loved.
Bowman became a Certified Medication Assisted Treatment Advocate (CMA) with NAMA Recovery, taught CMA classes, served as chapter director of Boston NAMA Recovery, served on the NAMA Recovery Board of Directors and became a peer recovery coach as well as being involved in activities with addiction research, education, decreasing stigma and overdose prevention. Donations in his memory can be made to The Paul Bowman Memorial Fund for Housing Support at Boston Medical Center at http://bmc.convio.net/goto/paul_bowman, and to The Great Dane Rescue of New England at gdrne.org. Bowman’s death was due to overdose.