LEOMINSTER — UMass Memorial Health launched a portal to provide Community Healthlink patients with the most updated information on the providers of behavior health services as they go through the process of phasing out all Community Healthlink programs and ceasing operations as an agency.
UMass Memorial Health recently notified the federal government that they plan to close the Community Healthlink, Inc., program in Leominster, Worcester and Webster, which will result in 127 layoffs as of July 31.
“As we work toward the eventual closure of Community Healthlink, our main priority is ensuring that the clients and communities we serve can access the care they need in pursuit of their health, healing and recovery,” a statement on the update page reads.
Patients can find the Community Healthlink program updates at: UMMHealth.org/Community-Healthlink/About-Us/Program-Updates
“We want to emphasize that almost all Community Healthlink programs are open and fully operational. Clients can continue seeking Community Healthlink’s programs and services as they normally would, while providers can continue to make referrals through the usual channels.”
According to its website, Community Healthlink is the designated Community Behavioral Health Center for the Worcester County North and Central regions, and an affiliate of UMass Memorial Health.
“We are working with trusted and highly respected community-based organizations that are interested in operating Community Healthlink’s programs, including Behavioral Health Network(opens in a new tab), Clinical and Support Options(opens in a new tab), the Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance(opens in a new tab), Open Sky(opens in a new tab) and Mentor South Bay(opens in a new tab). Together with these partners, we are working carefully to ensure that there is continuity of care — meaning no disruption in people’s access to our services.
“This is a phased closure during which CHL is working to transition services to other community providers while winding down operations,” a statement read.
The Community Healthlink update page currently identifies the status of several programs that are closing or transitioning.
Early Intervention, at 100 Erdman Way, Leominster is currently transitioning and is not accepting referrals as of June 23. Mentor South Bay will begin providing services on June 11 and will overlap with Community Healthlink Early Intervention until August 11. Clients are being contacted individually. Community Healthlink will stop providing services August 11.
Together For Kids, 335 Chandler St., Worcester also has a closing date of June 30, and is under re-procurement by the Department of Early Education and Care.
Juvenile Court Clinic, 225 Main St., Worcester currently has a status of “open” but a closing date of June 30 and Behavioral Health Network will be the new operator effective July 1. Patients can continue using the existing referral process.
As of deadline, the following Community Healthlink programs’ current status is officially “closing,” have a closing date of June 30, 2026 and are not accepting referrals:
— Specialty Geriatric Services in Nursing Facilities
— Worcester Community Housing Program
— Orchard Street, Leominster
— Beryl’s House, Worcester
All other programs’ status is “open” without any changes to report and patients should continue using the existing referral process.
UMass Memorial provides three other ways for individuals to access services: by phone 24/7: 508-860-1000; Online: 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.
John Vincent contributed to this article.
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