Spectrum Health Systems, Inc., a not-for-profit organization providing a comprehensive continuum of addiction treatment and behavioral health services throughout Massachusetts, announced today that it has awarded scholarships to eight employees pursuing licensed practical nurse (LPN) degrees to help further their careers and the delivery of care within the behavioral health field.
“As we continue to make treatment more accessible for all, these scholarships will help provide our employees with greater clinical knowledge to best serve our clients and contribute to the continuum of addiction recovery care,” said Kurt Isaacson, President and CEO of Spectrum Health Systems. “Like many other organizations, we’ve seen the toll the nationwide nursing staff shortage has had on the healthcare industry. Spectrum is proud to have been able to support our dedicated staff members entering this next phase of their career and help address this lingering industry issue in Massachusetts.”
Recipients of these scholarships are Spectrum employees who applied for the scholarship opportunity, reside in Massachusetts and have been in good standing at the organization for a minimum of one year. Upon notification of their scholarship, each employee will apply to a program of their choosing and once accepted, Spectrum will cover the cost of enrollment fees and any direct costs related to the program. Each LPN program will last about ten months and graduating individuals will need to pass an exam before becoming certified.
LPN scholarship recipients include: Amber Lafogg-Maxwell, medical coordinator at Spectrum’s outpatient treatment center in North Adams; clinician Cecelia Webbe and Alexander Perry, office coordinator at Spectrum’s outpatient treatment center in Weymouth; Britney Leon-Bonilla, office coordinator at Spectrum’s outpatient treatment center in Leominster; recovery specialist Petonia Thomas and Lyan Cruz, lead detox recovery specialist at Spectrum’s subsidiary, the New England Recovery Center; Michelle Ortiz, regional operations manager for Spectrum’s outpatient treatment divisions; Victoria Mallada, lead case manager at Spectrum’s detox center in Westborough.
In the wake of Spectrum’s recent company impact initiative, which provided grants to local organizations helping individuals in recovery, this scholarship initiative will also aid in the delivery of treatment and provide additional resources to the local continuum of recovery care.
For more information about Spectrum Health Systems, visit spectrumhealthsystems.org or call 1-877-MyRehab. If interested in open positions, please visit our careers page.
