New Behavioral Health Non-Profit Hires First Executive Director

The island's new behavioral health non-profit - Community Solutions for Behavioral Health (CSBH) - has announced the hiring of Rosemary McLaughlin as its first executive director.

The CSBH is a coalition of providers, community members, and key stakeholders dedicated to improving behavioral health for the residents on Nantucket. The group stated McLaughlin has more than 20 years of experience providing successful, quality care delivery, most recently at Integritus Healthcare (formerly Berkshire Healthcare Systems), which is the largest long-term care nonprofit service provider in Massachusetts.

In her most recent position, McLaughlin served as regional director of operations of five skilled nursing facilities and hospice providers. A lifelong Massachusetts resident, Rosemary obtained her MBA from Babson College.

CSBH formed as a result of the Nantucket Behavioral Health Initiative that began in 2021. It is governed by a board of directors that includes leaders from Fairwinds Counseling Center, Nantucket Cottage Hospital, the Community Foundation for Nantucket, Nantucket Public Schools, the Town of Nantucket, and NAMI of Cape Cod and the Islands, as well as an independent therapist and a community representative.

“The Nantucket Behavioral Health Initiative has worked tirelessly over the past three years to determine the best way to help coordinate and enhance the behavioral health system on the island," said Margaretta Andrews, former Executive Director of the Community Foundation for Nantucket. "The creation of Community Solutions for Behavioral Health was a major step forward on this journey, and we welcome Rosemary McLaughlin as our first executive director. Rosemary brings years of experience as a healthcare leader for vulnerable populations, as well as nonprofit and for-profit management, and we are thrilled to have her on board.”

In a press release announcing her hiring, McLaughlin stated: “I was impressed that the Nantucket Community had identified the need to collaboratively address behavioral health and wellness. Behavioral Health is a crisis everywhere, but not every community is as committed to improving the quality, access, and outcomes for those in need and those who care about them. When individuals struggle, we all experience the consequences.

“I look forward to working with all stakeholders who have invested in improving the full spectrum of services offered for prevention, intervention, recovery, and treatment of behavioral health," she added. "A healthy community must include getting and staying well both physically and mentally. Leading Community Solutions for Behavioral Health is an opportunity and a privilege. I look forward to making a difference."