Spectrum Health Systems, Inc., a longtime not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing a comprehensive continuum of addiction treatment, was awarded a new contract by the Norfolk Sheriff’s Office (NSO) to provide medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to offenders with substance use disorders. The program has treated 41 offenders with methadone since its inception.
“For many years, Spectrum has worked with state and county correctional authorities around Massachusetts and the nation to establish strong, long-term partnerships based on a shared mission and common goals for treating justice-involved individuals with substance use disorders,” said Kristin Nolan, VP of Behavioral Services at Spectrum Health Systems. “We’re excited to now be working with the Norfolk Sheriff’s Office to offer additional treatment options for offenders struggling with opiate use disorders.”
A nurse from the nonprofit’s Waltham facility visits the 502-bed county correctional facility on Route 128 in Dedham, Mass. to administer daily methadone to participating inmates. For the first time ever, NSO is able to offer methadone in addition to buprenorphine through its partnership with Spectrum. Other correctional facilities in Worcester, Essex, Bristol and Rhode Island have even transferred inmates to Norfolk to take advantage of the County’s newest MAT offering.
“We feel confident in our partnership with Spectrum,” said Norfolk Sheriff Jerry P. McDermott. “The work we are doing is truly lifesaving and life changing. I’m proud of the team at the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office. The planning and implementation of our MAT program was the best model in the state.”
As the “gold standard” of treatment, medication-assisted treatment allows people in treatment to stay in recovery with life-saving medication that stops cravings for more harmful substances. With more than 50 years of experience as an addiction treatment provider, Spectrum is an industry leader in MAT including medication dispensing, counseling, education and medical monitoring for those enrolled in the program.
For more information about Spectrum’s treatment services, visit www.SpectrumHealthSystems.org or call 1-877-MyRehab.
About Spectrum Health Systems, Inc.
Based in Worcester, Mass. and founded in 1969, Spectrum Health Systems, Inc. is a private, nonprofit substance use 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. Its subsidiary, The New England Recovery Center provides onsite detoxification and inpatient addiction treatment exclusively for commercially insured and private pay clients. For more information, please visit www.spectrumhealthsystems.org or www.newenglandrecoverycenter.org.
