What is an Ombudsman?
An Ombudsman works to protect an individual’s rights and freedoms through independent supervision
Independently Guiding Corrections to Improved Health and Wellness For All!
The independently operated Office of the Ombudsman (Office), run by Lauren “Laurie” M. Andersen, MM, RN, CEN, CCRN, Ombudsman and Executive Director of the Office, reporting to the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS), serves at the independent health and wellness adviser to the Massachusetts Department of Correction (DOC).
Mission Statement
Promoting a healthy environment for all those who live
or work in MA Department of Correction Facilities
The mission of the Office of the Ombudsman (Office) is to promote a healthy environment for all those who live or work in MA Department of Correction (DOC) facilities. In a post-pandemic climate, the Office will focus its efforts on advising the DOC on both general infection control and wellness initiatives. The Office shall develop comprehensive health and wellness initiatives, as well as training and education programs. Thereafter, collaboratively with the DOC, the Office shall implement those health and wellness programs that positively impact the DOC culture and climate for the benefit of all. The Office believes that improving the wellness of DOC staff will positively impact incarcerated individuals.
Lauren “Laurie” M. Andersen, MM, RN, CEN, CCRN
Director/Ombudsman – Office of the Ombudsman
Mental Health Awareness Videos for Corrections Staff
If you or someone you know is in crisis or thinking about suicide, please call 988 – the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline!
Asking for help is a sign of strength, not a sign of weakness!
The Ripple Effects of Suicide
Suicide Prevention for MA Department of Correction Staff
Mental Health Awareness for MA Department of Correction Staff
Anxiety and Depression for MA Department of Correction Staff
Substance Use Awareness for MA Department of Correction Staff
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder for MA Department of Correction Staff
News & Announcements
The latest from the Office of the Ombudsman
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month!
The Office of the Ombudsman cares about you! You matter! If you, or anyone you know or work with, is struggling with depression or thoughts of suicide, get help or support. Getting help is the brave thing to do! It takes strength and power to seek help for yourself or someone you know or work…
Office Sponsors Staff Appreciation Breakfast at SBCC – DOC Retirees Participate
The Office of the Ombudsman organized an appreciation breakfast for the Department of Correction staff of Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center on September 10th, 2024. Breakfast became a much better celebration when at least fifteen retirees from the Department of Correction participated by cooking, providing breakfast foods, and by showing up to participate. It was an excellent…
Office to Host a 1-Day Wellness Conference For DOC Staff – October 9, 2024
The Office of the Ombudsman to host a one-day conference exclusively for Massachusetts Department of Correction staff to provide strategies, connections, and resources to advance wellbeing. Register by 10/02/2024 by clicking HERE, or by clicking on the poster below. Topics Include: Nutrition; Physical Wellness; Balancing Work/Life; Post Traumatic Growth; Psychological Wellness; and Financial Wellness When:…
Office Instrumental in Struggle Well Partnership with MA DOC
The New England Struggle Well team is grateful to the Office for introducing the Boulder Crest Foundation’s Struggle Well program to the MA Department of Correction (DOC). The Office is pleased to have been the catalyst for connecting these two great organizations for the benefit of DOC staff.