Already providing virtual substance use services statewide in Massachusetts, beginning September 1, 2022, Better Life Partners will work directly with community organizations in neighborhoods across Springfield to provide community outreach and deliver clinical care, including medications for addiction treatment (MAT) and individual and group therapy for individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD).
Mayor Sarno and Health and Human Services (HHS) Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris, along with Police Superintendent Cheryl Clapprood, Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi, Fire Commissioner BJ Calvi, and Chief Development Officer Tim Sheehan recently announced Project Rescue, a joint partnership with other agencies, local nonprofits, a network of mental health providers and a team of on-the-street outreach workers to provide services for those dealing with substance use.
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno states, “I am glad to have Better Life Partners on board as part of our overall strategies to enhance our street outreach efforts to continue to tackle mental health and substance abuse issues. The Covid-19 pandemic has turned this issue into our epidemic. My goal here is to give more tools to our SPD and Housing/Homeless units to deal with panhandling and neighborhood/business issues in getting these individuals the help they need.”
“We are grateful for the opportunity to work with Mayor Sarno, Commissioner Caulton-Harris and other leaders in Springfield to serve the behavioral and physical health needs of those with substance use issues in the city,” said Steven Kelly, Better Life Partners’ Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer. “Our team of clinicians, counselors and outreach staff will work closely with the city’s leadership and other community partners to make it as easy as possible for marginalized populations, especially those who are houseless, to readily access effective and compassionate treatment.”
“We have seen that equitable, safe and affordable substance use treatment remains out of reach for many Americans, and that’s why this partnership in Springfield is so important,'' said Juliana Ekong MD, Chief Executive Officer of Better Life Partners. “Our organization is built to meet people where they are in their journey, with no judgment and no barriers as to how or when they could receive treatment. We are focused on health outcomes and providing care that is centered on dignity and respect. We’re extremely grateful to the Mayor for sharing that vision and turning to us to help in his efforts.”
ABOUT BETTER LIFE PARTNERS
Better Life Partners provides what it takes to heal from addiction. For whomever, wherever, whenever. With a focus on both individual care and impactful community partnerships, Better Life Partners delivers harm reduction services and medical and behavioral health care that drive improved health and life outcomes. Committed to an equitable, accessible, and integrated health system, Better Life Partners provides the tools needed for everyone to live a healthy life full of belonging, love, and purpose. Better Life Partners is currently providing exceptional care in New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont and Massachusetts, and contracted with Medicaid, Medicare, and most Commercial insurers. Powered by a compassionate clinical team and backed by F-Prime Capital, .406 Ventures and other investors, Better Life Partners is positioned to build the multispecialty practice of the future. To learn more, visit https://betterlifepartners.com.