StartCare
Melissa Bernard currently serves as the Deputy Chief Programs and Strategy Officer at START Treatment & Recovery Centers, having previously held the position of Assistant Vice President at NADAP. With extensive experience in program development and operational management, Melissa has worked as the Regional Program Director at both Sun River Health and Brightpoint Health, where responsibilities included creating strategic plans, monitoring operational data, and training care managers. Earlier roles include supervising outreach initiatives at Brightpoint Health and serving as an Administrative Coordinator at the Visiting Nurse Service of New York CHOICE. Melissa holds a Master's degree in Health/Health Care Administration from Central Michigan University and a Bachelor's degree in Health Services from Brooklyn College.
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StartCare
START Treatment & Recovery Centers has been providing addiction treatment services for over 54 years, in the hearts of communities that face multiple social challenges that can affect our patient's path to recovery and overall health. By providing a mix of behavioral health, medication-assisted addiction treatment, and primary care services in community-based settings across New York City, we offer our clients an ally in their recovery. We are one of the few independently-operated providers in this field to conduct leading-edge research into substance use and co-occurring disorders. Working at START is different from many traditional healthcare providers. We're not 24/7 so our clinicians have work-life balance. When our clinics are open the pace is fast and the energy is high as our clients demand the best. Our staff is deeply dedicated to supporting our clients through their recovery. After patient hours, calm descends, staff plan for the next day and meet in inter-disciplinary teams to discuss clients' progress and identify ways to improve outcomes. They attend continuing education opportunities and other professional development programs. Our staff's diversity reflects that of our clients. We're the largest minority-run and independently-operated non-profit healthcare provider in New York State. START Treatment & Recovery Centers is a nonprofit organization certified by the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS); licensed as an Article 28 Diagnostic and Treatment Center by the New York State Office of Health Systems Management; and is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). START Treatment & Recovery Centers is a participating provider in many health plan networks. START policy provides that no one will be denied access to services due to inability to pay; and there is a discounted/sliding fee schedule available based on family size and income.