Former assisted living home in Athol redeveloped as treatment facility. What to know
A Gardner-based nonprofit is expanding its reach into the North Quabbin region.
Officials at Gardner Athol Area Mental Health Association, most often referred to as GAAMHA, opened Sunrise Ridge in Athol. The 32-bed residential treatment facility at 648 Pleasant St. will treat women diagnosed with co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders.
“It is an incredible honor for our agency to help fill an enormous need in the North Quabbin region,” said Shawn Hayden, vice president of the organization that provides programs, treatment, and services to individuals with disabilities and substance use disorders."
“Access to services for substance use and mental health challenges has always been a struggle for residents of this area, and women in particular have been impacted disproportionately by the scarcity of programs," Hayden added. "We are excited to add Sunrise Ridge to GAAMHA’s continuum of services and continuing our legacy of delivering world-class care without the financial barriers that often leave our most vulnerable people underserved.”
The building is the former location of Providence Cliff House, an assisted living home that closed in 2005 and had since fallen into disrepair, according to GAAMHA officials.
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“The fact that this building has been transformed from a rundown eyesore and haven for negative activity into a beautiful facility that will serve as a beacon for hope is just icing on the cake,” Hayden said.
Athol facility to have specialized space for pregnant women
The facility will have specialized space available for individuals who are pregnant and up to 12 months post-partum seeking recovery services, allowing the mothers to keep custody of their children, according to officials.
Each patient will have an individual treatment plan and receive care from an experienced team of clinicians, nurse practitioners, and recovery specialists. Women who complete the program, which is covered by MassHealth, will have access to GAAMHA’s Supportive Housing program with sites in Gardner, Athol, and Greenfield.
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“GAAMHA has earned a longstanding reputation for providing quality programming to assist those in need throughout north central Massachusetts,” said Athol Town Manager Shaun Suhoski. “We are pleased to welcome this structured treatment facility to assist women in recovery to regain their productive lives.”
Sunrise Ridge first of two GAAMHA facilities in Athol
Sunrise Ridge is the first of two new programs that GAMMHA will open in Athol. Officials said they planned on opening a Women’s Supportive Living House on Green Street later this year.
“It’s nice to be able to offer services to a historically underserved area,” said Michelle Dunn, who will oversee all operations at Sunrise Ridge. “We are excited to bring our innovative programming to Athol. We spent a great deal of time planning, organizing, and structuring our facility so you would feel comfortable calling it home.”
This article originally appeared on Gardner News: Residential treatment center for women opens in Athol. What to know
