A major Central Massachusetts behavioral health agency that’s slated to close soon has cemented its transition plans, offering its 20,000 annual patients clarity about their health care. But major questions remain about potential layoffs for hundreds of employees.
Community Healthlink, an affiliate of UMass Memorial Health, oversees a variety of programs that help people across Worcester County with substance abuse, homelessness and mental health challenges.
The agency shocked people across the region in April when it announced its plans to shut down following years of financial challenges and to transfer its programs to other providers.
In a press release Friday, Community Healthlink said that process is nearly complete. The agency has reached agreements that will divide its programs between a handful of organizations, including Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance, Behavioral Health Network and Clinical & Support Options.
State regulators signed off on the plans, and Community Healthlink says it will close as soon as the transitions are final.
“CHL and its programs have been integral to the health and well-being of Central Massachusetts for many years,” said Eric Dickson, UMass Memorial Health’s CEO and president. “While CHL as an organization will close, its legacy and impact will live on thanks to these trusted partners who will continue to serve clients throughout the region.”
Community Healthlink has operated for more than 40 years, and its plans to close have sparked public fears about what will happen to its services, many patients and employees once it shuts its doors.
In the press release, the agency said many of its “caregivers will move into relevant roles within the transitioning programs and services.” That will help ensure that patients can continue receiving care from the professionals they know and trust.
Some people will still lose their jobs. According to filings with the state Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, Community Healthlink could lay off up to 701 workers beginning Sept. 16.
A spokesperson for the the agency said many people who are laid off will still transition to positions with the new providers, or they’ll be able to pursue roles elsewhere in the UMass Memorial Health system.
SEIU Local 509, which represents unionized Community Healthlink employees, could not be reached for comment.
Community Healthlink outlined in its Friday press release the services that will transfer to the new operators.
Behavioral Health Network will operate the Worcester Community Behavioral Health Center. Clinical & Support Options will take over several Leominster services, including the city’s behavioral health center.
Eliot Community Human Services, Mentor South Bay, Open Sky Community Services and the Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance will assume control of other programs.
“Our priority is ensuring that individuals and families continue to have seamless access to high-quality behavioral health services while supporting the dedicated staff who have made these programs so successful,” said Karin Jeffers, Clinical & Support Options’ CEO and president. “We look forward to building on that strong foundation and continuing to serve the North Central Massachusetts community for years to come.”
