Leominster, Mass.-based UMass Memorial Health-Community Healthlink has increased planned layoffs to 231 positions, effective Sept. 16, and plans to permanently close all of its programs and cease operations as an agency, according to a WARN report shared with Becker’s.
The closure will be phased, with Community Healthlink working to transition its services to other community providers as it winds down operations, the report said.
“Over the last several years, CHL has been navigating significant pressures that have impacted its ability to successfully operate the essential services that our clients and communities need,” a spokesperson for UMass Memorial Health said in a July 20 statement shared with Becker’s. “To ensure ongoing access to specialized behavioral health care in the region, CHL and UMass Memorial Health leadership are working with local community organizations and state agencies to identify new operators to sustain services currently provided by CHL.”
UMass Memorial Health is also working with affected employees to identify other positions within the system or within other community healthcare partner organizations.
UMass Memorial Health-Community Healthlink serves more than 22,000 patients, according to its website, and is a designated MassHealth Behavioral Health Community Partner.
In early May, UMass Memorial Health-Community Healthlink shared plans to lay off 78 employees, citing inconsistent referrals, declining demand and workforce shortages.
“This is difficult news for the employees affected, for the individuals and families served by these programs, and for the broader behavioral health and human services network in North Central Massachusetts,” Fitchburg (Mass.) Mayor Sam Squailia said in a July 18 Facebook post. “We will continue to monitor the situation and coordinate with appropriate partners where possible, especially around service transition, workforce impacts, and making sure residents know where to seek help.”
Many Community Healthlink programs still are open, operational and taking referrals, the UMass Memorial Health spokesperson added.
At the Becker's Fall Behavioral Health Summit, taking place November 4–5 in Chicago, behavioral health leaders and executives will explore strategies for expanding access to care, integrating services, addressing workforce challenges and leveraging innovation to improve outcomes across the behavioral health continuum. Apply for complimentary registration now.