LEOMINSTER — UMass Memorial Health has notified the federal government that it plans to close its Community Healthlink, Inc., program in Leominster, Worcester and Webster, which will result in 127 layoffs as of July 31.
Under the federal WARN Act, employers with 50 or more employees must notify the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce development about a layoff or plant closing at least 60 days prior to the layoff or closing.
The notice stated, “Community Healthlink, Inc. (“CHL”) is in the process of permanently closing all of its programs and ceasing operations as an agency. This is a phased closure during which CHL is working to transition services to other community providers while winding down operations.”
“Community Healthlink (CHL) programs have served a critical role in supporting the health and wellbeing of residents across Central Massachusetts in need of behavioral health care,” stated a press release from UMass Memorial Health. “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.
“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. We also have been actively engaged in effects bargaining with SEIU Local 509 regarding Community Healthlink’s eventual closure and its impact on our union-represented caregivers, including temporary assignments and retention incentives.
“During this process, CHL’s priority is to ensure that our clients and all individuals seeking care across Central Massachusetts continue to receive high-quality behavioral health services. We are also committed to supporting caregivers impacted by these changes by helping them identify other open positions within the UMass Memorial Health system and collaborating with our community partners on any potential employment opportunities.
“CHL will remain open and operational throughout this process and the community can still receive the services they need.”
The WARN notice said that all job losses are permanent, and CHL will not be recalling employees.
UMass Memorial Health has issued a notification that it will close its Community Healthlink Inc. substance abuse program and lay off all 127 workers. (JOHN VINCENT/SENTINEL & ENTERPRISE)
According to its website, Community Healthlink is the designated Community Behavioral Health Center for the Worcester County North and Central regions.
“Since 1977, UMass Memorial Health — Community Healthlink has been helping more than 22,000 adults, children and families annually address mental health, substance use and homelessness, with unique and unparalleled access to those in need. It’s what we do,” the website said.
“Community Healthlink is a proud member of UMass Memorial Health, the largest not-for-profit health care system in Central Massachusetts, and is clinical partner of the UMass Chan Medical School. That affiliation brings access to the world class care of UMass Memorial Health Care.”
UMass Memorial touts that “Our “Front Door” model provides three ways for individuals to access our services”: Phone 24/7: 508-860-1000; Online 24/7 www.communityhealthlink.org; In-person at two walk-in sites Worcester and Leominster.
“We provide 24-hour confidential care — help without the wait. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health emergency, call toll free: 800-977-5555.”
Now all services will be directed to other agencies due to the upcoming closure of Community Healthlink.