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Community Healthlink Reopens Detox Services for Central Massachusetts
In 2025, Community Healthlink marked a major milestone with the reopening of its Acute Treatment Services (ATS) program — commonly known as “Detox.” As one of the only state-funded detox centers in Massachusetts, ATS is a lifeline for low-income, uninsured and underinsured individuals in our region who need immediate, medically monitored substance withdrawal management.
ATS is the critical first step in Community Healthlink’s three- program continuum for substance use treatment, which also includes Clinical Stabilization Services and Transitional Support Services. With ATS back online, the full continuum is now open and operating at capacity for the first time since 2023, offering 24 beds for detox, 32 for stabilization, and 30 for transitional support.
Since reopening in February, ATS has served more than 500 clients, addressing a serious community need at a time when such programs have been declining statewide.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s Bureau of Substance Addiction Services recognized this achievement by granting ATS its full two-year license in October 2025, following a period of conditional operation.
The impact of ATS extends far beyond immediate detox care. Through new collaborations and referral pathways within the UMass Memorial Health system, Community Healthlink connects clients to vital resources such as housing, health benefits and ongoing recovery support. Partnerships with programs like Harrington Addiction Immediate Care ensure that clients receiving medications for opioid use disorder have timely access to care throughout their recovery journey.
As Ashley Williams, Senior Director, Substance Use Continuum, Community Healthlink, shared, “The ATS program is often the first door someone walks through when they’re starting their recovery journey. By reopening Detox, we’re making sure no one facing addiction has to face it alone or go without care when they need it most.”
Stephanie Manzi, Vice President, Substance Use Services, Community Healthlink, added, “Every overdose prevented represents a life saved and a family spared unimaginable pain. Our ATS program is one of the most effective tools we have in Central Massachusetts to stop those losses before they happen.” •
