WORCESTER, Mass. (Sept. 19, 2016) – Spectrum Health Systems, a longtime nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people overcome substance and opioid use and addiction, announced today the acceptance of a $15,000 grant from the Albert W. Rice Charitable Foundation, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee.
The grant will be used to grow and maintain two Opioid Treatment Programs (OTP) in Worcester. OTPs provide Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for individuals dependent on opioids, such as heroin, oxycodone and fentanyl. Widely considered the “gold standard” of treatment, MAT uses proven-effective medications in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies to help clients overcome the negative influence of substance use.
“The rising population of Massachusetts residents struggling with an addiction touches everyone – neighbors, friends, families, children, colleagues,” said Kurt Isaacson, CEO of Spectrum Health Systems. “Opioid use and deaths are at an unprecedented high, and Spectrum – through its 11 OTP locations across Massachusetts – is committed to providing treatment and support to individuals and familiesstruggling with addiction. The generosity of the Albert W. Rice Charitable Foundation enables us to achieve our mission of helping clients on their journey to abstinence and sobriety to lead a healthier life.”
The number of individuals seeking treatment for an opioid addiction at Spectrum’s OTPs on Lincoln Street and Merrick Street in Worcester has skyrocketed more than 25 percent since 2014 in direct response to the city’s and state’s growing opioid epidemic, according to Spectrum. Serving the community and state since 1969, Spectrum is one of the few providers using an evidence-based and medication-assisted approach to treatment.
For more information about services, visit www.spectrumhealthsystems.org or call (800) 464-9555 x1161 for Outpatient services or (800) 366-7732 for Inpatient services.
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About Spectrum Health Systems
Based in Worcester, Mass. and founded in 1969, Spectrum Health Systems, Inc. is a private, nonprofit substance abuse and mental health treatment provider. Spectrum offers the largest and most complete continuum of addiction treatment in New England — including inpatient detoxification, residential rehabilitation, outpatient services, medication-assisted treatment and peer recovery support. For more information, please visit www.spectrumhealthsystems.org.
