Burlington, VT – In a significant milestone for the industry, we are thrilled to announce that Lund’s Residential Treatment Program has returned to pre-pandemic staffing levels, allowing the program to return to serving our full client capacity of 26 families. This achievement is a testament to our commitment to excellence, dedication to helping families thrive, and unwavering support from our state partners.
At a time when the nation is grappling with a continuing workforce crisis, Lund took proactive measures to ensure that pregnant and parenting individuals seeking residential treatment for mental health and substance use disorders receive the highest quality care. Recognizing staff’s critical role in the recovery journey and in the well-being of children and families, Lund strategically increased compensation for crucial positions. Beyond compensation improvements, Lund continues to invest in sustaining a culture of support and professional development for our staff.
“We are delighted to share this remarkable news with our community. Reaching a staffing structure that allows us to return to maximum licensed capacity is a testament to our team’s hard work and determination,” said Mary Burns, Lund’s President and CEO. “Our goal has always been to strengthen families so children can thrive. The incredible support from our state partners has been instrumental in making this vision a reality.”
Lund’s Residential Treatment Program is the only option in Vermont offering a residential level of care to pregnant and parenting individuals with their children. This innovative approach not only eliminates a significant obstacle that often hinders parents from accessing treatment but also addresses the needs of young children through proactive prevention and intervention strategies. With a multidisciplinary team of experienced medical professionals, therapists, children’s services providers, and support staff, the program offers comprehensive and best-practice approaches to serving our population. The achievement of improved staffing and a return to serving our full capacity underscores the high demand for Lund’s treatment services, particularly as we continue to see the profound impact of the opioid crisis across Vermont.
The support of the Vermont Legislature and our State partners at the Agency of Human Services has been invaluable throughout our journey. Their collaboration and belief in our mission have allowed us to return to our full client capacity and extend a helping hand to more individuals and families in need. Together, we are building stronger families and creating a stronger Vermont community.
“The workforce shortages in our system of care continue to be a primary challenge across our provider network. Providing high-quality care to families starts with creating a space where staff are valued and supported,” said Vermont Department for Children and Families Commissioner Chris Winters. “We are happy to hear that Lund, a critical provider, is back to full capacity after taking important steps to invest in their workforce, and we look forward to continuing our partnership on the work of serving Vermont families.”
As we celebrate this milestone, we remain committed to upholding the highest standards of care, fostering innovation in treatment and family-based care, and providing a safe and nurturing environment for the families we serve. With a team of dedicated professionals in place, we are well-equipped to continue supporting families throughout their treatment and recovery journey.
