Black History Month: Addressing Racial Disparities in Substance Use Disorder Treatment
As we commemorate Black History Month this year, it’s crucial to shed light on pressing health disparities affecting Black communities in substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. To make a real impact, we must focus on ensuring equitable and accessible care for those seeking help. The Reality of Racial Disparities in SUD Treatment The numbers paint ...
Celebrity Recovery Spotlight: Daniel Radcliffe
Most people associate Daniel Radcliffe with the boy wizard Harry Potter, whose adventures captivated a generation. However, most aren’t aware of his addiction recovery journey. Behind the scenes of one of the most successful film franchises in history, the actor faced his own battle with alcohol dependency. His story of determination and recovery serves as ...
Observing Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month
January 2025 marks the inaugural Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month, a critical initiative aimed at raising awareness, reducing stigma, and fostering support for those affected by substance use disorder (SUD). Spectrum Health Systems is proud to participate in this national effort to shine a light on the possibilities of recovery and the importance of treatment. ...
Celebrity Recovery Spotlight: Tom Holland
Tom Holland, the beloved Spider-Man star, has captured hearts with his on-screen charisma and candidness about personal challenges. Recently, he opened up about his struggle with alcohol, revealing how he felt enslaved to drinking and how his journey to recovery has transformed his life. Holland’s decision to quit drinking has inspired many, demonstrating the strength ...
Spectrum Recognizes National Recovery Month
Every September, National Recovery Month honors the resilience of individuals in recovery and the dedication of those who provide support and services along the way. Established in 1989, National Recovery Month promotes public awareness surrounding mental health and addiction recovery while providing a platform for success stories that can inspire and offer hope to others ...
Board Member Spotlight: Dr. John Renner
Spectrum Health Systems is honored to spotlight Dr. John Renner, a distinguished board member whose extensive background in addiction psychiatry and unwavering commitment to mental health make him a vital part of Spectrum's mission. A Groundbreaking Legacy John Renner's dedication to addiction psychiatry began in the early 1970s when he took a pioneering role at ...
Spectrum Health Systems Appoints Kristin Nolan as Chief Operating Officer
Spectrum Health Systems, Inc., an innovative non-profit provider of evidence-based treatment for substance use and mental health disorders throughout Massachusetts, today announced Kristin Nolan's appointment as Chief Operating Officer (COO). "Kristin is a visionary leader who has consistently demonstrated her ability to drive positive change at Spectrum," said Kurt Isaacson, president and CEO of Spectrum ...
Black History Month: Addressing Racial Disparities in Substance Use Disorder Treatment
As we commemorate Black History Month this year, it’s crucial to shed light on pressing health disparities affecting Black communities in substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. To make a real impact, we must focus on ensuring equitable and accessible care for those seeking help. The Reality of Racial Disparities in SUD Treatment The numbers paint ...
Celebrity Recovery Spotlight: Daniel Radcliffe
Most people associate Daniel Radcliffe with the boy wizard Harry Potter, whose adventures captivated a generation. However, most aren’t aware of his addiction recovery journey. Behind the scenes of one of the most successful film franchises in history, the actor faced his own battle with alcohol dependency. His story of determination and recovery serves as ...
Observing Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month
January 2025 marks the inaugural Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month, a critical initiative aimed at raising awareness, reducing stigma, and fostering support for those affected by substance use disorder (SUD). Spectrum Health Systems is proud to participate in this national effort to shine a light on the possibilities of recovery and the importance of treatment. ...
A Letter from Our President: Kurt Isaacson Reflects on 2023
2023 was a year of remarkable progress and achievements at Spectrum Health Systems. We took numerous strides toward our goal of making treatment more accessible for the most vulnerable populations while continuing to look for ways to retain and recruit staff that make it all possible. One of Spectrum’s proudest achievements came in February when ...
Twelve-Step and Non-Twelve-Step Meetings: Which is Right for You?
Twelve-step groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) are some of the most popular formats of addiction recovery meetings. These programs are based on a broad concept of spirituality and encourage members to work through a series of steps to solidify their recovery. While many people have found long-term recovery through twelve-step programs, ...
Congratulations to Athena Haddon on her Salute to Excellence Award
An incredible amount of effort is needed in our mission to provide a comprehensive continuum of addiction treatment and recovery supports. That’s why Spectrum Health Systems is proud to employ individuals that are skilled, qualified—and most importantly—passionate about recovery. One employee that embodies these characteristics every day is Athena Haddon. Athena has worked at Spectrum ...
Spectrum’s Ondrea Hilts on Helping People Find Recovery
Before she began working with Spectrum Health Systems, Ondrea Hilts was in college, pursuing a degree in psychology with a minor in justice studies. She knew she wanted to help people but hadn’t decided on a specific career path. Soon, though, a family tragedy would shape her plans for the future when she lost her ...
Making a Difference with Stefania Cunningham, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Stefania Cunningham’s tenure at Spectrum began 10 years ago. Originally joining as a per diem nurse, she now works as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner based out of Spectrum’s Weymouth location, providing psychiatric services to clients throughout Massachusetts. In her time with Spectrum, she’s seen many changes and developments, both in the organization and in the ...
Breaking the Addiction Stigma
While cultural awareness around substance and alcohol use disorder have improved in recent years, there is still a substantial amount of stigma surrounding these topics. Despite well-established research identifying addiction as a disease, some still see it as a moral failing instead. The negative attitudes and stereotypes that stem from this belief create barriers to ...
