WORCESTER—With concerns mounting over the future of mental health and substance use services in Worcester, the city council voted unanimously Tuesday to push for immediate talks with UMass Memorial Health and other stakeholders on how to transition away from Community Healthlink (CHL) without disrupting care.
Councilors are calling for conversations “within days,” bringing together UMass Memorial, city officials, community representatives, SEIU Local 509—which represents CHL employees—and potential providers to ensure services remain intact.
CHL has served more than 22,000 people annually, providing mental health care, substance use recovery services and support for people experiencing homelessness.
Union leaders and residents warned that any disruption could have serious consequences.
“This program is not just a service, it’s a lifeline,” said Kara Goodia, a Local 509 member and treasurer. “It connects people to care, stability and hope, often in the most difficult times in their lives.”
Goodia said that without a clear transition plan, both clients and workers could be at risk, noting that many patients rely on consistent, long-term treatment.
“Consistent, ongoing treatment is not optional, it’s essential,” she said.
Council Vice Chair Khrystian King, who brought the measure forward, said the stakes are high as the city continues to see gaps in behavioral health services.
“We’ve seen a reduction in substance abuse treatment beds, we have a number of slow-downs or shutdowns,” King said, pointing to past program closures, including Grace House, a residential addiction treatment center for adolescent girls that shut down in 2019.
King said he has already been in contact with Open Sky Community Services as a possible provider.
“In order to continue effectively and competently with these service provisions, it requires a workforce,” he said. “It’s a work in progress.”
Public Health and Human Services Committee Chair Gary Rosen said he wants to meet directly with UMass Memorial and any agencies that may take over services, while also questioning how the situation unfolded.
“Something passed us by,” Rosen said. “Where was our effort to keep the agency open, to keep the agency going?”
Rosen said he does not trust UMass Memorial on this issue, adding that discussions should begin with whether CHL can remain open.
“If they’re that good—and I know they are that good—then why are we closing it?” he said.
Residents echoed concerns about urgency.
“I think they better do it damn fast,” said Idella Hazard, who described witnessing two overdoses in a single afternoon and urged the council to examine the scope of the crisis.
“Human life—we’re talking about,” she said. “While we’re waiting for stakeholders, we are losing people.”
Others called for protecting both services and workers.
“I’m strongly in support of getting the people together … to come up with a solution,” said resident Gary Hunter, standing alongside SEIU members. “They are being treated poorly, and their union is being treated poorly.”
In a related move, the council also voted unanimously to hold public hearings on the state of youth mental health in Worcester, following another request from Rosen.
“The youth of Worcester are struggling,” Rosen said, pointing to challenges ranging from social media to addiction. “I would just like the Public Health Committee to take a look … and come up with a plan that will help our youth in the future.”
King called the issue one of the most important facing the city.
“It’s about our future. It’s about our young people,” he said.
Councilor Tony Economou added that state-level support for mental health and addiction services remains insufficient.
“Anything we can do here on a local level, I support 100%,” he said.
The timing of both the stakeholder meetings and public hearings has not yet been finalized, but councilors made clear they see little room for delay.
Steve Smith, a veteran reporter with 17 years at The Hartford Courant, now brings his passion for photojournalism to Worcester. An award-winning photographer, he has covered major events like U.S. soccer, pro football, and UConn basketball. He is also the official photographer for the Miss Massachusetts competition and works as a realtor. Contact him at steve@stevephotographysmith.com
Post Views: 18