UMass Memorial transferring 17 Community Healthlink programs to two nonprofits

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA — A Community Healthlink facility at 12 Queen St. in Worcester PHOTO COURTESY OF UMASS MEMORIAL HEALTH

The system can no longer sustain the Community Healthlink programs financially.

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UMass Memorial Health in Worcester is set to transfer several mental health programs operated by its affiliate, Community Healthlink, to other providers as the system navigates financial challenges. UMass Memorial is transferring 17 state-contracted mental health and substance use treatment programs, including residential facilities, to Worcester-based nonprofit Open Sky Community Services and Northampton-based nonprofit Clinical & Support Options. The system can no longer sustain the Community Healthlink programs financially, leading to the decision to transition operations to other providers, said Dr. Eric Dickson, president and CEO of UMass Memorial. Employees at each facility are not guaranteed their current positions but will be eligible to apply for roles through their new operators, said Shelly Hazlett, UMass Memorial media and public relations director. The system is working to identify potential roles within UMass Memorial for the impacted workers and is collaborating with leaders of the local SEIU labor union to explore transition plans to support and retain caregivers. The changes were announced in a Thursday letter sent to Community Healthlink caregivers by CHL President Gordon Benson. These impacted programs include:

Two community behavioral health centers in Worcester and Leominster – CBHCs are 24/7 centers providing services and treatments to individuals with mental health and substance abuse disorders. They are overseen by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services.
Three substance use treatment continuum programs in Worcester – Contracted through the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, these programs offer inpatient detox, post-detox, and step-down care.
Three programs for assertive community treatment centers in Worcester and Leominster – These locations provide community-based services, such as psychiatry, counseling and case management, and are contracted through the state’s Department of Mental Health.
All eight adult community clinical services residential programs in Worcester – These offer services to adults with chronic mental health needs.
One stabilization treatment and recovery program, a residential initiative aimed at reengaging clients with mental health services.

“While these are difficult decisions, they are necessary so our clients can continue receiving the services they need,” Benson said in the letter. Mica Kanner-Mascolo is a staff writer at Worcester Business Journal, who primarily covers the healthcare, manufacturing, and higher education industries.

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🔒UMass Memorial transferring 17 Community Healthlink programs to two nonprofits

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