News

As the United States government searches for leverage in the battle against the opioid epidemic, several recent developments have altered the way medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD), such as buprenorphine, can be prescribed. While some of these changes have increased accessibility to buprenorphine, others threaten to hinder access. With ...

In observance of Black History Month, Spectrum Health Systems is honoring some of the people who have improved access to care and worked to address treatment disparities affecting the Black community. Just as the Black community has faced economic and educational injustices, it has also faced healthcare inequalities. In the ...

Nicole Orlando Smith applied for a role at Spectrum Health Systems on a whim in 2014. She had comprehensive experience working in mental health—addressing issues like depression and anxiety after earning a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling with a focus on trauma—but she had no direct experience in addiction ...

Last month, the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy unveiled a new data dashboard in partnership with the National Highway Safety Administration to track non-fatal opioid overdoses. The dashboard uses a map to display Emergency Medical Services (EMS) data collected in each state and U.S. territory. The effort ...

2022 was an interesting year in healthcare. With much of the world finding its footing in the ‘new normal,’ providers were hard at work continuing to keep clients and patients safe while deciding which pandemic-era policies and practices were here to stay, and which could be discontinued. This was no ...

With a background in both the clinical and administrative sides of behavioral health care, Lisa Blanchard knows that making treatment accessible is key to affecting positive change amid the addiction epidemic. It’s a philosophy that she embodies in her role as Chief Clinical Officer at Spectrum Health Systems, where she ...

Coming from a billing background in the healthcare industry, Jeannie Saunders first joined Spectrum Health Systems in 2016. She had been unsatisfied with her previous position and a friend that worked at Spectrum had encouraged her to apply. Jeannie followed the recommendation, and the next thing she knew, she was ...

For the last two decades, Jonathan Miller has worked to develop IT systems for nonprofits in the healthcare space. Now serving as Chief Information Officer (CIO) for Spectrum Health Systems, Jonathan’s critical role has been to oversee the management and execution of the organization's information technology strategy. Before joining the ...

Based in Worcester, MA, Damaris Diaz has over 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry. She’s a diligent worker and life-long learner, but her most defining characteristic is her genuine interest in helping people find the help they need. It’s this combination of traits that makes her such a ...

We’re proud to introduce Carmen Villanueva, a Skilled Nursing Facility Recovery Support Navigator with Spectrum Health Systems. A Worcester resident, Carmen worked as a personal care assistant for years, visiting clients, mostly seniors, in their homes to administer care. Personal care assistants play an important role in healthcare, but work ...

Offering robust, ongoing professional development opportunities is one of the important ways we keep our team, at every level, on the forefront of behavioral health. In so doing, we are also able to fulfill our mission of providing the highest quality of services while being an outstanding place to work. ...

A keen focus on innovation has helped David Nefussy successfully navigate the ever-shifting dynamics of the health care business. As Spectrum Health’s Vice President of Payor Relations, he is responsible for crafting agreements and negotiating reimbursement with insurance companies, managed care organizations, and third-party payors to ensure the company grows ...

Developing processes and policies to keep our organization financially healthy is vital to continuing our mission of providing the highest quality treatment services. In this regard, we are fortunate to have the bold leadership and vast experience of Theresa Amico, recently promoted to Vice President of Revenue Cycle Management. In ...

When it comes to employee recognition, our organization is “all in”—and we have proof! Spectrum Health Systems has been named the recipient of C.A. Short’s “All-In” Award for Best Management Engagement in employee recognition programs. C.A. Short Company has worked with companies nationwide for nearly 100 years implementing effective strategies ...

The human resources landscape has been reshaped in recent years by many factors, especially in health care and addiction treatment. What has not changed is Spectrum’s commitment to providing a dynamic and supportive atmosphere for its employees—a mission that has kept HR leader Stacy Flanagan driven and enthusiastic for over ...