As UMass Memorial Health affiliate Community Healthlink prepares to close, 104 more positions have been scheduled for layoffs, bringing the projected total to 231.
The updated figures were released Friday as part of Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act data. The WARN Act requires companies with 50 or more employees to report planned layoffs to the state government at least 60 days before layoffs or a company closure take place. UMass Memorial Health filed the updated layoff numbers on Wednesday. The layoffs are scheduled to take place by Sept. 16.
A detailed copy of the July 15 notice was shared publicly by Fitchburg Mayor Sam Squailia. According to the notice, 158 of the eliminated positions are union; 73 are nonunion. The newly impacted positions are concentrated in Leominster, with several other layoffs slated for Fitchburg and Worcester. They include jobs like case managers, clinicians, administrative staff, and administrative support positions.
In a statement, UMass Memorial Health said CHL has been facing pressures for several years that have impacted its ability to operate its services. The healthcare provider said leadership is still working with other organizations and state agencies to find new operators for CHL services. Some impacted staff will be able to transition along with the programs.
“We are also supporting impacted caregivers by helping them identify other positions within the UMass Memorial Health system or within the community partner organizations,” said Kristy Lee, a spokesperson for UMass Memorial Health. “As part of this process, Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN) notices are legally required as positions end at Community Healthlink and, in many cases, transition to these new operators. 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. Many CHL programs remain open, operational, and continue to take referrals.”
Layoff numbers have been increasing since CHL confirmed its planned closure in April. Originally, CHL planned to layoff 84 employees over the summer. That figure has increased multiple times.
Several CHL programs have secured homes under other organizations. The fate of others has yet to be determined. UMass Memorial Health has published a website detailing the status of each CHL program.
The CHL closure comes as UMass Memorial faces staffing shortages and financial difficulties. The entire UMass Memorial system had a $160-million operating loss in fiscal 2025.
Monica Benevides is a correspondent for Worcester Business Journal.
