GPS Community Programs

MASStrong

MASStrong is a statewide initiative that strengthens Massachusetts’ healthcare workforce with peer support, tailored resources, and trauma-informed solutions. MASStrong helps healthcare and support providers build resilience, prevent burnout, and foster healing. Through strategic partnerships and funding, MASStrong delivers free facilitator training, toolkits, and peer support groups to sustain those who care for others.

MASStrong is endorsed by Governor Maura Healey and the state legislature as a gold-standard program for healthcare providers across Massachusetts.

Empower Your Community

Proven Impact

Healthcare workers in Massachusetts face significant challenges, including high rates of burnout, workforce shortages, and inequities in accessing mental health resources. Staffing shortages and administrative burdens have exacerbated stress levels, with more than 25% of healthcare workers showing signs of PTSD and 58% reporting burnout.

MASStrong has already demonstrated significant impact:

Over 90% of participants feel more equipped to support their peers
97% of participants said they would recommend the program to colleagues.
Facilitator training has led to an expansion of peer-led support within healthcare settings.

Rooted in over 20 years of experience, the GPS model is a trauma-informed, evidence-based approach that provides structured, supportive environments for health professionals—including those in healthcare, behavioral health, social services, and frontline roles—and equips them to implement and sustain similar support within the communities they serve.

MASStrong Provides

MASStrong equips Massachusetts healthcare workers and organizations with the tools, training, and support they need to foster resilience and well-being.

Up to $10,000 in Funding: MASStrong offers financial and structural support to hospitals, clinics, nonprofits, and other healthcare organizations to implement and launch peer support models.
FREE Facilitator Trainings & Certification: Healthcare providers can sign up for GPS’s trauma-informed, evidence-based group facilitation training and certification. Participants will learn to lead support groups in their workplaces and communities, as well as for the patients and clients they serve, fostering group support networks. They can also earn CEUs and CMEs.

FREE Peer Support Groups: Confidential support groups are available to healthcare professionals, with specialized sessions for behavioral and mental healthcare workers, physicians, nurses, home health aides, perinatal workers, BIPOC healthcare providers, and other unique communities.
FREE Customizable Resources: Healthcare organizations can receive customizable mental health and wellness toolkits and curriculum to integrate GPS group support into their settings, for both their employees and the communities they serve.

MASStrong is funded by the MA Behavioral Health Trust Fund and partnered with the Betsy Lehman Center.

“MASStrong is an innovative, evidence-based approach to providing real support to those on the front lines of our health care system. I’m delighted to see the launch of the latest phase of this vital program.”
MA State Senator Julian Cyr
“MASStrong’s emphasis on peer support to improve mental and behavioral health will undoubtedly provide relief to frontline employees caring for the health of communities across the Commonwealth.”
MA State Representative Adrian Madaro
“Being able to share my stories with people who get it and were going through similar things was so helpful. I looked forward to meeting with a group of people that I could relate to.”
Latoya C., Home Health Aide and MASStrong Participant
“MASStrong has been a game-changer for me. Not only have I received critical support through the program, but I’ve been able to bring this model into my own workplace to help others. Without MASStrong, I would have burned out long ago.”
Betty Doherty, a Family Recovery Support Specialist with the First Steps Together Program

Eligibility

GPS’s MASStrong program supports the mental health and wellness of anyone who provides care and connection to others in Massachusetts, including:

Allied health professionals
Care coordinators and case managers
Community healthcare workers
Emergency responders
Frontline staff
Healthcare aides
Home-based and long-term care workers
Medical and behavioral health providers

Non-clinical care and support providers
Pharmacists
Recovery and peer support specialists
Social workers
Those in employee support services, such as Human Resources, Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), and staff wellness or mental health support roles.
And more!