Spectrum Staff Talk with WCVB about Addiction Treatment During COVID-19

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.

Spectrum Health Systems announced today that current Chief Operating Officer Kurt A. Isaacson has been named its new president and chief executive officer effective July 1, 2016.  Isaacson will succeed retiring Spectrum President and CEO Charles “Chuck” J. Faris, who joined Spectrum in 1971 and led the organization through a period of significant evolution.  Faris will move to a senior advisor role to facilitate a smooth leadership transition.