Spectrum Health Systems, Inc., an innovative non-profit provider of evidence-based treatment for substance use and mental health disorders throughout Massachusetts, announced the launch of its first Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) educational series focused on advancing Medications for Addiction Treatment (MAT) in correctional settings.
The 10-session series, which began in March 2025, has drawn over 140 registrants from across the country, providing critical training and peer support for providers working in correctional environments. Through regular virtual sessions, participants engage in case-based learning, discussion and mentorship with Spectrum’s experts and respected external leaders in the field.
“Providing high-quality addiction treatment in correctional settings is essential, and the ECHO model is a powerful testament of that progress,” said Rachel Sasseville, LICSW, LADC-I, Director of Corporate Training at Spectrum Health Systems and ECHO series facilitator. “By delivering accessible evidence-based strategies, we’re helping bridge gaps in care. We’re proud of our work fostering connection and building provider confidence, with participants already describing the discussions as complex, invaluable and engaging.”
Spectrum became a certified ECHO hub in 2024 through the University of New Mexico’s ECHO Institute, enabling the organization to independently design and deliver its own ECHO series. Launching the series with a correctional MAT ECHO was a natural fit, given Spectrum’s leadership as the contracted MAT provider for multiple jails and prisons.
The initiative is supported by the New England Addiction Technology Transfer Center (ATTC), funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The New England ATTC partnered with Spectrum to fund the program and expand access to evidence-based training.
“We know there’s a tremendous need for guidance, real-world application and connection to empower providers with the right tools and peer support to expand access,” said Rosemarie Martin, PhD, Project Director of New England ATTC. “We’re proud to help lead this effort, alongside Spectrum, to strengthen provider capacity and improve outcomes in both correctional and community settings.”
Spectrum will resume its ECHO sessions in September and plans to host 10 sessions per year, with future series expanding into other pressing areas of substance use treatment.
To learn more about Spectrum Health Systems and its ECHO series, click the link here: https://www.spectrumhealthsystems.org/echo-training/
