Press Releases

Spectrum Health Systems, Inc., a longtime not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing a comprehensive continuum of addiction treatment throughout Massachusetts, has increased access to recovery resources across the state to continue combatting the addiction crisis. New outpatient treatment centers are now open in Millbury and Weymouth, and the company’s existing Pittsfield program moved to a larger facility to adequately serve the local population.

Spectrum Health Systems, Inc. was recently awarded a new contract by the Virginia Department of Corrections to implement a Community Corrections Alternative Program (CCAP) at the Cold Springs Correctional Unit in Greenville, Virginia. The CCAP operates as a drug treatment facility serving offenders with moderate to severe substance use disorders. The program currently houses 100 offenders in a dormitory setting with the capacity to double in size if needed.

Spectrum Health Systems is pleased to announce the appointment of David Nefussy as the new vice president of business development. Reporting to Chief Operating Officer Sherry Ellis, Mr. Nefussy is responsible for leading Spectrum’s business development efforts including the cultivation of referral relationships and negotiating agreements with managed care organizations, third-party payors and private insurance companies. In this role, he will also work closely with Spectrum’s admissions department to facilitate timely admissions for individuals in need of services.

Indian Creek Correctional Center in Chesapeake, Virginia is one of only three correctional centers in the state that offers a substance abuse therapeutic community program to inmates with substance use disorders. Spectrum Health Systems is proud to partner with the Virginia Department of Corrections in providing these critical services.

Spectrum Health Systems, Inc. has announced the launch of a new company logo as part of the organization’s continued growth and development.

Worcester, Mass. – May 26, 2017 – Spectrum Health Systems Inc., a longtime not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing a comprehensive continuum of addiction treatment throughout Massachusetts, announces the new host of its popular weekly radio show and podcast, Airing Addiction. Jodi Tarantino, LICSW and program director of residential services at Spectrum’s Charles J. Faris Recovery Center, will officially begin as host on May 27, on WTAG in the 10 a.m. slot.

Spectrum Health Systems, Inc. is pleased to announce the recent appointment of Roger H. Peters, Ph.D. to the role of Senior Research Advisor. “We are very excited to have someone of Dr. Peters’ caliber providing consultation and technical assistance,” commented Chris Petrozzi, Senior Vice President of Correctional Services. “Spectrum has a long history of providing evidence-based treatment based on leading research and considers this appointment further demonstration of our commitment to continually improving our clinical approaches and treatment methods.”

Worcester, Mass. – April 14 – Spectrum Health Systems Inc., a longtime nonprofit organization dedicated to providing a comprehensive continuum of evidenced-based treatment to help people overcome alcohol and other drug addictions, has incorporated an Introductory Certificate Program in Trauma Informed Care and a Comprehensive Program in Trauma Informed Care into its Educational Institute for employees. The program recently graduated 40 Spectrum employees, who will bring this experience back to their clients as a part of the company’s commitment to sustaining a safe and healing recovery environment for all.

Worcester, Mass. – April 12 – Spectrum Health Systems Inc., a longtime nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people overcome alcohol and other drug addictions was co-sponsor of the Worcester Business Journal’s recent Opioid Crisis Forum attended by area employers on March 29, 2017. 

Worcester, MA, March 13, 2017 - It’s been a year of growth for Spectrum Health Systems Inc. and the New England Recovery Center – during which time, former COO Kurt Isaacson stepped up to fill the shoes of retiring CEO Chuck Faris.

Worcester, MA, December 19, 2016 - Spectrum Health Systems, Inc., New England’s leading addiction treatment provider, announced today that is has appointed Sherry Ellis as the organization’s chief operating officer. Ms. Ellis assumes the position left vacant when former COO Kurt Isaacson became Spectrum’s president and CEO on July 1, 2016, upon the retirement of Charles Faris.

Worcester, MA – November 15, 2016 – The Commonwealth’s top lawyer, Attorney General Maura Healey, praised Spectrum Health Systems during its recent annual meeting held on Oct. 13 at The Beechwood Hotel in Worcester. Nearly 100 Spectrum leaders, employees, former clients, and local and state government officials gathered for the meeting which highlighted Spectrum’s innovative work in helping people overcome addiction, and provided an opportunity to celebrate the profound impact the nonprofit organization has had on communities not only in Massachusetts, but across the country.

Worcester, MA – November 14, 2016 – On November 1st, Spectrum’s State Director of MA Correctional Services Earl Warren presented at the New England Reentry Conference, a first-of-its-kind gathering of federal reentry professionals from across the region, held at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. The conference was organized by the six New England United States Attorneys to highlight regional initiatives that are improving outcomes for returning citizens. Spectrum was asked to participate in a plenary discussion of federal reentry grant programs by U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts Carmen Ortiz.

Worcester, MA – November 10, 2016 – Spectrum Health Systems, the largest private non-profit substance abuse and mental health treatment provider in New England, hosted its 15th Annual Charity Golf Classic on Monday, October 3 at the Framingham Country Club. Nearly 125 golfers participated in the event, raising $68,593 in support of Spectrum’s continuum of addiction treatment services.

WORCESTER, Mass. – November 8, 2016 – Lisa Blanchard, MA, LMHC, executive director of outpatient operations for Worcester’s Spectrum Health Systems, the largest private non-profit substance abuse and mental health treatment provider in New England and resident of Paxton, Mass., was honored for her outstanding contributions in behavioral healthcare with the Association of Behavioral Healthcare’s (ABH) Elizabeth Funk Emerging Leader Award. The award recognizes members under the age of 40 who show evidence of commitment to behavioral health through his/her ability as an emerging leader within the field. Recipients of the award display the ability to motivate staff and communicate effectively in their role as a developing leader. Blanchard received her award on October 21, during the ABA’s Salute to Excellence at the Waltham Hotel, an event dedicated to recognizing leaders in community-based behavioral healthcare.