Spectrum Health Systems, Inc., a longtime not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing a comprehensive continuum of addiction treatment throughout Massachusetts, announced today the promotion of Mark Brown to Executive Director of Adolescent and Peer Services. In this role, Brown will continue growing the organization’s suite of services focused on at-risk youth and peer recovery.
“Mark has been essential to the development of our adolescent programs, from designing and launching them to training and mentoring staff,” said Sherry Ellis, COO of Spectrum Health Systems. “As the issue of adolescent substance use continues to grow, Spectrum is dedicated to teaching youth the skills necessary to maintain drug-free, pro-social lifestyles. Mark has evolved into this role over the years and we are confident that these programs are in the best possible hands under his leadership.”
Brown has been with Spectrum Health Systems for 22 years, serving most recently as the Director of Youth Services and Peer Recovery. Throughout his tenure, he has run various programs for at-risk youth with funding provided by the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services. In his present role, Brown oversees two residential substance use disorder treatment programs for young men and a short-term detention program for adolescent girls.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, substance use disorders (SUDs) are more prevalent for teens who have experienced early childhood trauma, such as physical, emotional or sexual abuse, and those living in families who also struggle with SUDs.
“By promoting positive change among our youth, we help them to live healthier, safer lives,” said Barbara Morton, Regional Director at the Department of Youth Services. “Mark’s collaborative nature and responsiveness as a service provider contributes greatly to these successful programs. His dedication to treating at-risk youth continues to bring change to our community and inspire others to enter the field.”
Brown also manages all Peer Recovery Center operations for Spectrum Health Systems. Spectrum’s peer recovery centers are located in Worcester, Marlborough, and Lawrence. Funded by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Bureau of Substance Addiction Services, these volunteer-driven, recovery support programs serve hundreds of people throughout the year.
Spectrum Health Systems is committed to recruiting and maintaining top-talent and providing its valued employees with education, growth opportunities and a rewarding career. For more information, visit our website for all career openings.
To learn more about the services offered at Spectrum Health Systems, visit our website.
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. 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.
