Spectrum Health Systems, Inc., a not-for-profit organization providing a comprehensive continuum of addiction treatment throughout Massachusetts and a range of programming for justice-involved individuals throughout the country, has been awarded a new contract by the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office (MSO) to serve individuals at risk for recidivism.
“In addition to our long-standing relationship with the Massachusetts Department of Correction and county corrections, we are proud to be expanding our services at the Middlesex Jail & House of Correction in Billerica,” said Earl Warren, Spectrum Health Systems’ vice president of correctional services. “At Spectrum, we are committed to increasing access to substance use disorder and mental health treatment for all, and the justice-involved population is no exception. This new contract furthers our efforts to achieve this mission by enabling us to provide evidence-based treatment proven to reduce recidivism among those who participate in our programming.”
Spectrum Health Systems’ contract with the MSO, effective as of January 1, 2023, includes a 60-bed reentry unit, violence intervention and prevention programming for male inmates, along with cognitive behavioral treatment groups for general population inmates and transitional reentry programming for female inmates preparing for release.
Separately, Spectrum recently obtained licensure from the Bureau of Addiction Services to store and dispense medication for opioid disorder treatment (MOUD) to justice-involved individuals at the Middlesex Jail & House of Correction. Previously, Spectrum had been transporting medication from its outpatient treatment center in Waltham, Massachusetts to this facility on a daily basis in order to support individuals participating in the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office medication-assisted treatment program.
Spectrum’s mission of democratizing recovery treatment requires the implementation of programming and services that meet individuals where they are, and exposure to the criminal justice system is not uncommon for individuals with substance use disorders. In most correctional facilities, providers are not allowed to retain medication for opioid use disorder onsite. With this new licensure, Spectrum’s onsite nurses now have the ability to dispense medications in a more timely and efficient manner without having to transport medication daily to the facility. Spectrum also provides medication for opioid use disorder treatment behind-the-walls for the Massachusetts Department of Correction, Norfolk County Sheriff’s Department, Berkshire County Sheriff’s Department, and Worcester County Sheriff’s Office.
“At the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office, we are committed to ensuring each person in our care will have access to the programming and treatment necessary to prepare them to make a successful return home,” said Assistant Superintendent for Program Services Shawn MacMaster. “We are proud to work with the Spectrum team to enhance and expand these critical services to help reduce recidivism and produce better outcomes for individuals and our communities.”
Since its establishment in 1993, Spectrum’s corrections division has developed a longstanding reputation of success throughout the country. Over the last 30 years, Spectrum has continued to enhance its treatment methodologies and services for justice-involved individuals.
For more information about Spectrum Health Systems’ corrections division, visit spectrumcorrections.org or call 1-508-792-5400.
