With decades of experience in medicine, research, and community health, Dr. Jeroan Allison brings expertise and compassion to his Spectrum Health Systems’ Board Member role. His life’s work centers on promoting health equity and ensuring that marginalized and underserved populations receive the care they deserve.
Advancing Medicine, Research, and Community Health
Born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, Dr. Allison began his career in internal medicine after completing medical school and residency at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). For over 20 years, he taught, researched, and maintained a clinical practice at UAB’s School of Medicine. Along the way, he earned a master’s degree in epidemiology from the Harvard School of Public Health, adding a population-level perspective to his clinical expertise.
In 2009, he was recruited to Massachusetts to launch a new UMass Chan Medical School department. Today, as Chair of the Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, he leads a team of more than 50 faculty members dedicated to improving health for all people, regardless of background, identity, or economic means. Under his leadership, the department has grown into a hub of innovative, community-focused research, a small school of public health with programs spanning cancer, cardiovascular disease, and substance misuse.
Confronting Stigma in Addiction Recovery
Throughout his career, Dr. Allison has focused on health disparities and equity, always advocating for individuals who are underserved or forgotten. His connection to Spectrum stems from his professional and personal understanding of addiction as a medical condition too often overshadowed by stigma.
“As a physician, I’ve seen firsthand the tragic impact of substance misuse,” Dr. Allison explains. “What draws me most to this work is the stigma people face. Too often, society responds with blame and shame. I see addiction as a medical disorder that results from incredibly difficult life circumstances, and Spectrum is addressing these realities head-on.”
He sees Spectrum’s holistic and progressive approach to treatment as inspiring and essential, describing it as “a breath of fresh air” in a field where stigma has long prevented recovery.
Motivation for Serving
Dr. Allison has served on Spectrum’s board for several years and has played a leading role in shaping its community-focused initiatives. One of his proudest contributions has been launching and chairing Spectrum’s Community Impact Committee, which has distributed more than $1 million in grants to local organizations. These grants support services that may fall outside traditional definitions of recovery but are vital to it, from food pantries and housing projects to programs that provide hygiene supplies for women or care for the pets of individuals entering treatment.
“This program demonstrates Spectrum’s innovative leadership,” says Dr. Allison. “By investing in the communities our clients come from, we’re supporting recovery in ways that extend far beyond clinical care.”
Skills and Contributions to the Board
Dr. Allison brings three core strengths to his role as a board member:
- Primary Care Perspective: With decades of experience in internal medicine, he emphasizes the importance of treating coexisting medical conditions that often complicate recovery and of using primary care as a bridge when clients disengage from treatment.
- Community Engagement: At UMass Chan, he has pioneered community-engaged research, working in partnership with residents rather than simply studying them.
- Research and Innovation: Dr. Allison connects Spectrum with cutting-edge research, including collaborations on tools that could help predict and prevent treatment dropout. He also supports Spectrum’s role in advancing the science of addiction recovery, ensuring its programs remain at the forefront of best practices.
Driving Change Beyond the Board
Serving on Spectrum’s board aligns with Dr. Allison’s lifelong mission to reduce disparities in healthcare and treat all individuals with dignity and compassion.
“Spectrum is delivering high-quality services, fighting stigma, and innovating in ways that truly change lives,” says Dr. Allison. “I’m proud to be part of an organization leading the way forward.”
Spectrum Health Systems is honored to benefit from Dr. Allison’s leadership, vision, and dedication. His work strengthens the board and the broader community, advancing a future where recovery is possible for all.
If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction or a substance use disorder, call Spectrum Health Systems today at 1-877-MyRehab.
