The future of key mental health and substance use services in Worcester remains uncertain as UMass Memorial Health confirmed that a proposed agreement for Open Sky Community Services to take over several Community Healthlink programs did not move forward.
Community Healthlink, a longtime affiliate of UMass Memorial Health that serves more than 22,000 people annually, is now shifting toward what the health system described as the “eventual closure” of the organization, while officials work to identify other providers that could sustain critical behavioral health services across Central Massachusetts.
In a statement given to the Worcester Guardian, UMass Memorial Health said Community Healthlink and system leadership are continuing to work with local organizations and state agencies to transition programs and maintain access to care.
“Community Healthlink programs serve a critical role in supporting the health and wellbeing of residents across Central Massachusetts,” the statement said. “To ensure ongoing access to specialized behavioral health care in the region, CHL and UMass Memorial Health leadership are working with local organizations and state agencies to identify alternative options to sustain services currently provided by CHL for our clients and the community, as we move toward the eventual closure of CHL.”
The statement marks the clearest confirmation to date that Community Healthlink’s future as an organization is coming to an end, though UMass Memorial Health has not announced a timeline for closure or transition.
The health system also confirmed that negotiations with Open Sky Community Services regarding several major Worcester-area programs were unsuccessful.
“Despite everyone’s best efforts, Open Sky and UMass Memorial Health were not able to reach an agreement regarding Open Sky assuming operation of the Community Behavioral Health Center in Worcester, Continuum programs, PACT 1 and 2, ACCS and STAR services,” UMass Memorial Health said.
Open Sky Community Services separately confirmed to the Worcester Guardian that discussions took place regarding a possible transition of Community Healthlink programs.
“We were unable to reach agreement on terms,” said Ken Bates, president and CEO of Open Sky Community Services.
Bates said Open Sky is still moving forward with plans to acquire the Beryl’s House and Orchard Street residential sites after they are closed by Community Healthlink.
“We are working with the Bureau of Substance Abuse Services to determine models of care and timeline for these sites,” Bates said.
Bates also said concerns about continuity of care or workforce transitions were not factors in the breakdown of negotiations.
“Neither has been a reason for Open Sky’s not proceeding,” Bates said. “This is a critical time for our community and Open Sky will continue to collaborate with our community stakeholders to assess and address gaps in the behavioral health system however we can.”
At the same time, Clinical and Support Options has signed a letter of intent to assume operation of the Community Behavioral Health Center in Leominster and PACT 3 in Fitchburg, according to UMass Memorial Health.
UMass Memorial Health said discussions with other organizations about additional Worcester-area programs remain ongoing.
The uncertainty has drawn increasing concern from Worcester officials, residents and union representatives in recent weeks.
At an April 28 city council meeting, councilors unanimously called for immediate discussions with UMass Memorial Health, state agencies and potential providers to prevent disruptions in care.
Councilors and residents warned that any interruption in services could have significant consequences for vulnerable populations, including people experiencing mental health crises, substance use disorders and homelessness.
“This program is not just a service, it’s a lifeline,” said Kara Goodia of SEIU Local 509 during public testimony of the council meeting. She was one of several who took to the podium to share their concerns about Community Healthlink closing.
Council Vice Chair Khrystian King said the issue reflects broader strain on behavioral health services in Worcester.
“We’ve seen a reduction in substance abuse treatment beds,” King said. “It’s a work in progress.”
Also at the city council meeting, Public Health and Human Services Committee Chair Gary Rosen questioned how the situation reached this point and said he wants direct conversations with UMass Memorial Health and any agencies that may ultimately assume services.
“Something passed us by,” Rosen said. “Where was our effort to keep the agency open, to keep the agency going?”
UMass Memorial Health said its priority remains ensuring continuity of care for patients across the region.
“Throughout this process, CHL and UMass Memorial’s priority remains on ensuring that our clients and all individuals seeking care across Central Massachusetts can receive high-quality behavioral health services,” the health system said.
Major questions remain unresolved, including which organizations may ultimately assume Worcester-based programs, how transitions would be managed and what impact the changes could have on both patients and employees.
This is a developing story. Refresh this page for any updates.
Charlene Arsenault can be reached at carsenault@theworcesterguardian.org
