The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) announced that Allison F. Bauer has been named the new Director of the Bureau of Substance Abuse Services (BSAS).
As the Director of BSAS, Ms. Bauer will serve as DPH’s point person for implementation of prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery strategies to combat the ongoing opioid crisis. She will also oversee substance use disorder treatment services and prevention initiatives offered by the Department.
“Allison’s leadership comes at a critical time as the Commonwealth combats the opioid health crisis,” said Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel, MD, MPH. “Her expertise in examining the root causes of health problems and addressing complex public health issues will be invaluable to the Department.”
Ms. Bauer previously served as the Senior Director of Health and Wellness at The Boston Foundation, where she led the foundation’s strategic efforts to reduce health care costs through increased primary prevention and addressing the social determinants of health.
She has also served as Staff Director/Chief Counsel for the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Mental Health & Substance Abuse, and is currently an adjunct professor at Boston College Graduate School of Social Work. Prior positions include policy and public interest roles for nonprofit organizations in both Boston and Washington DC, government relations positions as a consultant and lobbyist, and as a staff attorney at the United States Department of Labor.
Responsibilities of the Bureau of Substance Abuse Services include licensing treatment programs and counselors; funding and monitoring prevention and treatment services; providing access to treatment for the indigent and uninsured; developing and implementing policies and programs; and tracking substance abuse trends in the state.
Ms. Bauer will begin her new role with DPH on Monday, December 5.