State Rep. John Black of Webster County has been recognized by the Missouri Coalition of Recovery Support Providers with the Guardian of Recovery Award for his leadership and dedication to addressing Missouri’s addiction and recovery challenges.
The award was presented in acknowledgement of his work on substance use issues and his commitment to helping families and communities affected by addiction. Colleagues and state leaders praised Black’s compassion and dedication.
“I’ve known John Black for about seven years since we’ve been legislators together, and what I’ve become really fond of John about is he’s such a compassionate person,” said Rep. Bob Bromley of Jasper County. “He’s always willing to help everybody, and he goes out of his way to look for places where he can fit in and help the general public and also his constituents. John Black is just a great guy, and I really appreciate you guys giving him this award.”
Rachel Winograd, representing the University of Missouri–St. Louis and the Missouri Institute of Mental Health, highlighted Black’s leadership on the Missouri Substance Use Task Force.
“I have been a member since it started in 2018, and year after year, I’ve been incredibly impressed by and grateful for Representative Black’s leadership,” Winograd said. “There’s a genuineness that I appreciate from any legislator, and he has it in leaps and bounds. I’m really grateful that someone in his position is taking the overdose crisis and the crisis of addiction seriously and wants to help the people who need it most.”
Rep. Del Taylor of St. Louis echoed those sentiments.
“It really is a treat and pleasure to work with Representative John Black,” Taylor said. “John does such a great job. He is insightful, he’s experienced, he’s knowledgeable. I’ve learned a lot from him, and at the same time, he supports a much-needed service throughout our state. Congratulations… I’m really proud of John.”
Governor Mike Kehoe also offered his congratulations.
“I’ve known John since before he was a representative from traveling down in the Webster County and Springfield area,” Kehoe said. “John has done a great job in the Missouri Legislature, and he really understands the recovery process for those in need. I couldn’t think of somebody more fitting or deserving. John has the heart of a hero. He really does care about Missourians, he represents his district well, and his colleagues in both the House and Senate truly respect him.”
Reflecting on the honor, Black credited his wife’s (Circuit Court Judge Cynthia Black) work in the judicial system as a major influence on his dedication to recovery efforts.
“I think I was first introduced to this cause several years ago by my wife’s involvement as prosecuting attorney in our county,” Black said. “She energized efforts to set up drug court in our county. The impact not only on the person suffering from the disorder, but the families and friends who are trying to be supportive, is significant. My wife is now drug court judge, so both of us are trying to put those resources together to help people overcome.”
Black said he remains committed to ensuring that recovery resources continue to grow in Missouri, supporting families and communities in the face of addiction.
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