Community Healthlink Plans More Program Cuts, Union Says

Affiliate of UMass Memorial Health to close additional services, according to union representing employees.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 9:32pm

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A glowing neon outline of a simple human figure surrounded by abstract neon shapes and lines, conceptually representing the impact of reduced mental health and addiction services in the community.The planned closure of mental health and addiction services at Community Healthlink raises concerns about access to critical support for vulnerable populations in Worcester.Worcester Today

Community Healthlink, an affiliate of UMass Memorial Health that provides services to the homeless and those with substance use and mental health issues, plans to shutter more programs, according to the union representing its employees. The union has criticized UMass Memorial's management of Community Healthlink, stating that it has "been failing us for years."

Why it matters

Community Healthlink is a critical provider of services to vulnerable populations in the Worcester area, and any cuts to its programs could have significant impacts on access to mental health, addiction, and homelessness support. The union's criticism of UMass Memorial's leadership raises concerns about the long-term sustainability and quality of care at the affiliate.

The details

The Service Employees International Union, which represents Community Healthlink employees, says the affiliate plans to close additional programs, though specifics on which services will be impacted have not been provided. The union has been critical of UMass Memorial's management of Community Healthlink, stating that it has "been failing us for years."

  • Community Healthlink is an affiliate of UMass Memorial Health, based in Worcester, Massachusetts.

The players

Community Healthlink

An affiliate of UMass Memorial Health that provides services to the homeless and those with substance use and mental health challenges in the Worcester area.

Service Employees International Union

The union that represents employees at Community Healthlink.

UMass Memorial Health

The parent organization that oversees Community Healthlink.

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What they’re saying

“The fact is that UMass Memorial's management of CHL has been failing us for years,”

— Service Employees International Union

The takeaway

This situation highlights the challenges facing community-based health and social service providers, especially those affiliated with larger healthcare systems. The union's criticism of UMass Memorial's leadership raises concerns about the long-term viability of critical programs that serve vulnerable populations in Worcester.