WellSpan is proud to share that Dr. Mitchell Crawford, medical director for addiction services and medical director for the WellSpan Specialized Treatment and Recovery Team (START) Program, was recognized by Modern Healthcare as one of the 40 Under 40 for 2025. This program highlights the health care industry's rising stars age 40 and under who contribute to a culture of innovation and help their organizations achieve and exceed clinical, operational and financial goals.

“Dr. Crawford’s unique philosophy to care delivery has helped inform a transformation of WellSpan’s addiction services program, expanding exponentially to serve those who need it most – more than a million patient encounters to date,” said Dr. Kenneth Rogers, vice president and chief medical officer for behavioral health at WellSpan Health. “His contributions help individuals struggling in our communities every day, and we are so proud of his ongoing profound impact here at WellSpan.” 

One of the many remarkable examples of Dr. Crawford’s work is through the innovative START program, which he co-founded and serves as medical director. This clinical model focuses on rapid access and stabilization for patients with urgent mental health and addiction needs. START has drastically reduced trips to emergency departments by providing the right care in the right place at the right time, with more than 3,000 trips avoided by patients in 2024 and more than 7,500 since 2021. One critical aspect of the program is its involvement with the criminal justice system, providing strong connections to wellness courts, helping to prevent incarceration when treatment is more appropriate. 

Recognized as a leader in the field, Dr. Crawford was invited to testify before Congress in 2023 related to addiction treatment and the reauthorization of the SUPPPORT Act. He was subsequently invited by the American Society of Addiction Medicine to serve on the Legislative Advocacy Committee. He is also a commissioned member of the Pennsylvania Behavioral Health Advisory Committee.

“Whether it is working in an emergency department, behind the scenes developing smart AI tools or in so many of the other roles needed in healthcare today, the 2025 class of 40 Under 40 demonstrate a dedication to improving their organizations, the industry and access to medical care,” said Mary Ellen Podmolik, editor-in-chief of Modern Healthcare. “Our honorees already are role models blazing trails and we look forward to seeing their career journeys progress in healthcare.”

The profiles of all the honorees are featured in the Feb. 10, 2025, issue of the magazine and online at ModernHealthcare.com/40Under40.