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.
Blanchard began her career at Spectrum in 2000 as an intake manager at an outpatient center in Worcester. Since growing with the company over the last 16 years, Blanchard oversees 11 fast-paced and continually growing outpatient treatment centers in Massachusetts. Blanchard’s methods of professional development for employees, providing them with access to educational tools and opportunities and recognizing the accomplishments of her staff, has led to 89 percent of Spectrum’s outpatient program directors advancing their careers. Her educational tools continue to be used in each of Spectrum’s outpatient programs. Out of 200 staff members, Blanchard’s programs received a 96 percent employee satisfaction rating.
Blanchard’s commitment to behavioral health can be seen at every level. She participates in ABH committees and workgroups such as the methadone provider’s committee, played an essential role in the rollout of Spectrum’s electronic medical record implementation, and served as one of the first NIATx coaches, a role she continues to fill in Massachusetts today. NIATx works with behavioral healthcare organizations across the country to improve access to treatment for those struggling with substance abuse and/or mental health issues.
Spectrum Health Systems has a long history of retaining top talent. Many employees stay for decades while advancing their careers in mental health, addiction services, nursing and medication-assisted-treatment.
To learn more about Spectrum Health Systems, please visit our website at: www.spectrumhealthsystems.org. To work with us, apply to one of our open positions.
About Spectrum Health Systems:
Based in Worcester, Mass. and founded in 1969, Spectrum Health Systems, Inc. is a private, nonprofit substance abuse and mental health treatment provider. Spectrum offers the largest and most complete continuum of addiction treatment in New England — including inpatient detoxification, residential rehabilitation, outpatient services, medication-assisted treatment and peer recovery support. For more information, please visit www.spectrumhealthsystems.org.
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