Community Service Rep Joins AdCare
Worcester-based AdCare Hospital has hired Carol A. McCarthy as a community services representative for its addiction services in Worcester, Boston and Rhode Island. In this Q&A, she says she is ready for the challenges of combining her skills to serve a growing and evolving field. In between, she finds time to tackle home-improvement projects and cheer on the Red Sox.
Vital Stats
Age: 55
Residence: Waban
Education: Bachelor's degree, Boston College School of Nursing, Chestnut Hill; MBA, Boston University.
Previous job: Sales and marketing positions in health care and advertising.
Q: How are you settling in at your new office?
A: Everyone has been very welcoming. It's been a very smooth transition.
Q: What challenges do you see in your new position?
A: I'm learning about a new and rapidly developing field that is evolving and redefining itself as our knowledge about addiction and substance abuse grows every day. I have had experience in this field through family, friends and the greater community, but there is so much to learn as we discover more about treatment. It's a well-kept secret, but people do recover from addiction.
Q: How close is this to what you imagined in high school you'd end up doing?
A: I've almost come full circle. Since high school my passions have always been healthcare and communication. Both fields have advanced in terms of knowledge and technology, and it's a challenge to combine these.
Q: What could local and state governments do to make things better for your business?
A: The need for treatment services in Massachusetts is pervasive. Massachusetts ranks among the top 5 percent of states for alcohol and drug use among adults and youth (NSUDH). At the same time, the state's Bureau of Substance Abuse Services' funds continue to be cut. Although AdCare Hospital is not impacted directly by state funding, there is much that local and state legislators can do to help people throughout the commonwealth get the treatment they need to recover from addiction. They can listen to the collective voice of recovery - the Massachusetts Organization of Addiction Recovery - and support important legislation such as the Massachusetts Good Samaritan Bill, intended to reduce drug-related overdose deaths by removing barriers to calling 911. They should also back an alcohol tax dedicated to funding alcohol prevention and treatment.
Q: What's the best way to keep your energy and motivation up when you're having a long day?
A: I try to take a few minutes to change the routine, look out a window, take a walk and visualize something new. Maybe it will be how well I'll feel when the project is done, maybe it will be an idea about a new project, or maybe it will be a new lawn, kitchen or some other home improvement project.
Q: Do you have any hobbies outside of work?
A: I'm a devoted Red Sox fan and I go to as many games as I can. As the weather warms up I'm looking forward to getting back on the golf course and improving my handicap. After this cold winter, I think I'll spend some time restoring my lawn and garden.
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