Spectrum Health Systems will soon receive federal Byrne grant funding through a partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Correction (DOC) as part of the state’s Heroin and Opioid Crime Reduction State Initiative. The Department received one of nineteen grants awarded in Massachusetts designed to help district attorneys, sheriffs and other criminal justice agencies combat the ongoing opioid abuse crisis.
Spectrum intends to use the funding to expand its Correctional Recovery Academy (CRA) programming to serve the growing number of offenders with opioid addiction within the state correctional system. The CRA is an in-prison residential treatment program based on the well-established therapeutic community model, specifically designed to meet the needs of high risk substance abusers. Spectrum operates a number of CRA programs throughout the state under contract to the DOC. For more than 20 years, these programs have demonstrated reductions in drug use and recidivism.
“Spectrum takes great pride in its strong working relationship as a DOC contractor since 1993,” said State Director Earl Warren. “This federal award will allow us to build on our past successes together, and continue to raise the bar for what the CRA model can accomplish behind the walls.”
Spectrum has helped develop a number of new programs and services in collaboration with the Department over the years, including a recently implemented program involving the administration of Vivitrol for offenders prior to release. This innovative program involves a multi-faceted approach to opioid and alcohol addiction including counseling and case management services. Initial data has demonstrated a positive impact on the number of individuals who engage in community-based treatment post-release.
Based in Worcester, Massachusetts, Spectrum Health Systems, Inc. is a private, not-for-profit substance abuse and mental health treatment provider. The organization currently treats 80,000 individuals each year through more than 140 programs in community-based settings and correctional institutions throughout Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia and Washington State.
CONTACT:
Brendan Melican, Public Relations Manager
(508) 792-5400 x7113
