NCCHC is pleased to announce that Sandra Violette, MSW, CCHP, is the new manager of accreditation for opioid treatment programs and mental health. An addictions counselor with more than 20 years of experience, Ms. Violette previously served as director of addiction treatment for the Connecticut Department of Correction, where she oversaw statewide programming and was instrumental in launching medications for opioid use disorder services. In that position, she was responsible for overseeing multiple state-funded medications for MOUD programs across four jails and five prisons for the male population, delivered by three of the state’s community-based opiate treatment program providers.

Ms. Violette holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a master’s in social work, both from the University of Connecticut, with a focus on mental health and substance abuse. She is a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor in Connecticut and Massachusetts, a Tobacco Treatment Specialist, and a Certified Correctional Health Professional. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her leadership in expanding access to evidence-based addiction treatment, reentry planning, and MOUD delivery within correctional settings.

In her role, Ms. Violette will conduct and oversee OTP and mental health accreditation surveys, support surveyors and facilities with on the related requirements, and contribute to other NCCHC accreditation activities.