GREENFIELD — The state’s branch of the National Association for Addiction Professionals honored Behavioral Health Network with this year’s outstanding service award.
The Massachusetts Association of Alcoholism and Drug Addiction Counselors annually decides what organization and/or which individual to recognize for their efforts in the field of addiction.
“People don’t get recognized for the work they do in the addiction field, so we think it’s important to recognize it,” the Massachusetts group’s treasurer Linda Mullis said.
This year, BHN, based in Springfield, was recognized in large part for its expansion of work in Greenfield.
“They’re really a huge player out here,” Mullis said, about the organization’s role in Franklin County.
Over the past year, the organization has invested heavily in Greenfield with Franklin Recovery Center, in the old Lunt Silversmith property. At the property there is both an acute care detox and a longer term program. There are plans for further expansion of its programs offered at the facilities on Federal Street.
“We at BHN are absolutely thrilled to be the recipient of this award,” BHN President Katherine Wilson said in a press release. “It is really a testament to the leadership of our programs and their participation in advocacy locally and statewide.”
Last year the state advocacy group honored Worcester-based AdCare Educational Institute, which works in substance abuse prevention and treatment.