Community Healthlink Finalizes Program Transitions in Collaboration with New Operators 

Ensuring Continuity of Care for Clients and New Roles for Caregivers 

Worcester, MA, August 7, 2026 – UMass Memorial Health and Community Healthlink (CHL) together announced today that CHL has successfully finalized programmatic transition plans in partnership with trusted and highly respected community-based organizations and the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS), preserving access to essential behavioral healthcare for clients across Central Massachusetts. 

With these plans, Behavioral Health Network (BHN), Clinical & Support Options (CSO), Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance (CMHA), Eliot Community Human Services, Mentor South Bay, and Open Sky will take over operating the compassionate, high-quality services CHL’s clients rely on in pursuit of health, healing, and recovery. 

As part of the agreements, new operators will take on most CHL programs and re-imagine others to better align with community needs. These changes are the result of tireless collaboration between CHL, the trusted partner organizations, and the state to maintain continuity of care for those in need of comprehensive services for recovery from mental health, substance use, and homelessness. Once the transitions are complete, CHL will cease operations after more than 40 years of service to its communities. 

“CHL and its programs have been integral to the health and well-being of Central Massachusetts for many years. While CHL as an organization will close, its legacy and impact will live on thanks to these trusted partners who will continue to serve clients throughout the region,” said Dr. Eric Dickson, President and CEO of UMass Memorial Health. “We are proud to have reached this outcome, which keeps specialized behavioral health services available in the community.” 

Moving forward, BHN will operate Worcester-based mental health and addiction counseling and support programs including the Worcester Community Behavioral Health Center, substance use stabilization and recovery services, the Program for Assertive Community Treatment, the Adult Community Clinical Support Group Living Environments and Single Individual Environments, and the Worcester Clinical Team for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

BHN will be hosting a series of listening sessions during August and September to hear from community members and stakeholders what services and supports have been most helpful and how the future of behavioral healthcare can best meet their needs. Please check their website at www.bhninc.org/chl-transition or social media sites for more information. 

CMHA will assume responsibility for providing Continuum of Care supportive housing services. CSO will operate North County-based programs including the Leominster Community Behavioral Health Center, the Program for Assertive Community Treatment, the Leominster Community Support Program, and the Leominster Clinical Team. 

Eliot Community Human Services will operate the Tenancy Protection Program and the Community Support Program for Homeless Individuals, while Mentor South Bay will operate the Early Intervention program. Lastly, Open Sky will assume ownership of the CHL properties on Sigourney and Orchard Streets with plans to introduce a Co-Occurring Enhanced Residential Recovery Service model at the sites, pending state approval. 

"Community Healthlink has served Central Massachusetts with compassion and excellence for decades, and we are honored to help carry that legacy forward,” said Karin Jeffers, President and CEO of CSO. “Our priority is ensuring that individuals and families continue to have seamless access to high-quality behavioral health services while supporting the dedicated staff who have made these programs so successful. We look forward to building on that strong foundation and continuing to serve the North Central Massachusetts community for years to come." 

“As a behavioral health organization with nearly 90 years of experience supporting people with mental illness, substance use disorders, and intellectual and developmental disabilities, BHN shares CHL’s longstanding commitment to helping individuals live positive, fulfilling lives,” said Steve Winn, CEO, BHN. “As we assume operation of several CHL programs in Worcester, continuity of care remains our highest priority, and we are committed to supporting clients through a smooth transition.” 

A significant priority throughout the transition process was minimizing the impact on both clients and caregivers. As a result of close coordination between CHL and the new operators, many CHL caregivers will move into relevant roles within the transitioning programs and services. This ensures that clients can continue receiving care from the professionals they know and trust. 

“CHL’s talented caregivers have been a driving force behind this entire transition process, reflecting and embodying our mission. It was crucial to CHL and UMass Memorial Health leadership that these caregivers felt supported and engaged every step of the way,” said Gordon Benson, CHL President. “We are so grateful for how they have continued showing up for our clients, day after day, so every individual can access the high-quality and compassionate care they deserve.” 

“Maintaining access to essential behavioral health services is paramount to the vibrancy and well-being of the entire Central Massachusetts community,” said Massachusetts Secretary of Health and Human Services Kiame Mahaniah, MD, MBA. “The Healey-Driscoll Administration remains committed to ensuring continuity of care and services for those served by these programs, and access to jobs for staff who provide these critical services. We are grateful to the many community-based operators who have stepped up to the plate and taken on these critical programs and look forward to continuing our work with them and CHL to support their success.” 

CHL’s website will continue to be updated as operational transitions are completed. For more information, please visit www.ummhealth.org/chl-updates.