Blog: News & Views from the Field

Every September, we observe National Recovery Month, created by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to raise awareness and educate people about substance use disorders and the many treatment options available to them. It is also a time to celebrate the advances made in addiction treatment, and the lives of people who struggle with substance use and mental health disorders. There is hope for recovery and for living happy, healthy and independent lives.

Since Spectrum Health Systems’ internship program was founded nearly a decade ago, it has continued to grow and expand its relationships with local Massachusetts colleges and universities while giving students incredibly valuable hands-on experience to prepare for careers in the clinical field. We talked with the director of the program to give you an inside look.

As the COVID-19 pandemic reached Massachusetts, the need for addiction treatment was greater than ever. We sprang into action and, in April, opened a segregated COVID-19 unit specialized for clients undergoing detoxification for drug and/or alcohol addiction who have also tested positive for COVID-19.

Earlier this year we announced Andrew Salmon's appointment to Board Chair. We recently sat down with Andrew to get to know him better and learn about his perspectives on Spectrum as well as his vision for the future.

2020 has been a whirlwind for all of us, but especially for nurses. In recognition of the incredible work nurses do – and in honor of the 200^th anniversary of the founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale – the World Health Organization has declared 2020 as the International Year of the Nurse.

Our nursing staff is at the heart of treatment here at Spectrum, always going above and beyond to care for clients, run programs, and respond to emergencies. In celebration of National Nurses Month, we’re highlighting Kelly Field, the Inpatient Nursing Supervisor at our Westborough, Massachusetts campus, to get a closer look at the amazing work that she and all of our nurses do year-round.

When the novel coronavirus hit the nation, our everyday lives were turned upside down – and for good reason. All of us hold a responsibility to flatten the curve and slow the spread of COVID-19 by staying home and only leaving the house for essential reasons.

We have so many talented and dedicated employees at Spectrum Health Systems, and we want to make sure that we take the time to express our gratitude and highlight all of the amazing work they do for our clients. Today, we share a conversation with our Family Engagement Specialist Ronald Burgess.

Another year has come to a close and a new door is about to open. Whether you’re currently in treatment, recovery or active addiction, the new year is a fresh start for all of us.

The last five decades have been a roller coaster for addiction treatment – from the war on drugs to the introduction of medication-assisted treatment. On November 21, we co-hosted a panel discussion with Regis College about addiction treatment, behavioral health and career options in the field for 45 soon-to-be graduates as well as additional viewers tuning in through a live stream.

Did you know that October 26 is National Make A Difference Day? Coming together to make a difference strengthens communities, overcomes adversity and builds resilience. To honor the event, we’re encouraging all to carry naloxone (otherwise known by brand names NARCAN® and EVZIO®) to save the lives of people dying from an opioid overdose.

At Spectrum Health Systems, we know from experience that when someone is struggling with substance use disorder, he or she does not suffer alone – the family suffers as well. As part of our client-centered, holistic approach to addiction treatment, we believe in the importance of family-focused programming.

Every September, we observe National Recovery Month. Hosted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Recovery Month aims to increase awareness and understanding of mental health and substance use disorders, while promoting professional services that help people in need.

We’re eagerly preparing for Spectrum’s 18^th Annual Charity Golf Tournament – our largest fundraiser of the year! On Monday, September 30^th, Spectrum will take over the links at the Worcester Country Club in Worcester, MA to raise money in support of our mission to improve the lives of individuals impacted by addiction.

At Spectrum Health Systems, we attribute our success to our incredible staff. In order to attract and retain talented individuals who share our mission of providing the highest quality of addiction treatment, we offer a robust Educational Assistance program which supports all employees in their professional development. This year alone, we’ve provided more than $200,000 to support our staff in continuing their education. Clients ultimately benefit from having highly trained staff committed to enhancing their skills and knowledge.

Recently, our peer recovery centers received a home makeover! As we celebrate our 50^th anniversary of serving those struggling with addiction throughout Massachusetts and beyond, we thought it was time for some new digs.

Working in addiction treatment can be tough, but our incredible staff love their jobs. This week, we’re talking with one of our Master’s level clinicians, Shannon Coolahan, who has worked in our outpatient treatment center located in Waltham, Massachusetts for the past two years.

As you may have heard, Spectrum Health Systems has been celebrating its 50^th anniversary this year! We’ve come a long way since the company’s founding in 1969. As substance abuse has changed over the past 50 years, so too has Spectrum – in order to better treat individuals impacted by substance use disorders.

Pride Month is here! The month-long celebration of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community is a time for fun, raising awareness and reflection. The LGBTQ community faces many hardships, from accepting their own identities to coming out to facing social and political adversity.

Four of our talented employees recently celebrated their 20th anniversary with Spectrum! Barbara Tingley, Lisa Blanchard, Earl Warren, and Carole Palaima have all dedicated decades to our organization. To show our gratitude for their hard work and support for Spectrum’s mission, we hosted a celebration luncheon for all home office staff. After lunch, CEO Kurt Isaacson asked why they have chosen to stay with Spectrum for so long.