Worcester, MA, June 6, 2023 – UMass Memorial Health – Community Healthlink (CHL), a leader in helping adults, children, and families recover from the effects of mental illness, substance use, and homelessness, announced today the appointment of Dale Kline as Senior Director of Crisis Co-Response and Kevin J. McCarthy, LCSW, as consulting lead clinician. The two leaders join the organization after CHL was selected by the City of Worcester as its partner to develop the new “Mental Health Community Crisis Co-Response Model,” a collaborative initiative between CHL and the City that will dispatch CHL crisis teams alongside police to certain emergency calls.

“Dale and Kevin’s deep ties within our community make them invaluable additions to Community Healthlink and our Crisis Co-Response team,” said Gordon Benson, Interim President of CHL. “Both bring extensive expertise, demonstrated leadership, and an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of the individuals that Community Healthlink serves every day.”

Kline joins CHL’s Crisis Co-Response team with a robust background in leadership, ministry, and community service. Kline most recently served as a Pastor and Creative Director at a local Worcester congregation, devising and executing strategic plans that grew the organization significantly during his thirteen-year tenure. Prior to that role, he was instrumental to the Southern New England Ministry Network as Executive Administrator of Minister Development where he maximized operations and increased the number of communities served by the organization, creating an expansive leadership development program for prospective ministry assignments. Kline also comes to CHL with deep connections to the City of Worcester, including his work in foster care and as a foster parent, and longstanding relationships with city leaders, the police department, fire department, public school system, and faith community.

“Community Healthlink’s prioritization of developing the Crisis Co-Response model demonstrates its dedication to maintaining the physical health, mental health, and dignity of individuals and families across Central Massachusetts,” said Dale Kline. “I am honored to join CHL at this critical time and collaborate with talented and empathetic teams to achieve the organization’s goals for this important program.”