Community Healthlink Reopens Transitional Support Service Program

David Sweeney • April 1, 2024

UMass Memorial Health – Community Healthlink announced today that it has reopened its Transitional Support Services (TSS) program. TSS is a 24/7 substance use disorder recovery program.

Last April, CHL leadership made the difficult but necessary decision to suspend three of its continuum programs – TSS, Clinical Support Services (CSS) – formerly PASSages – and Detox following discussions with the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services. It was not a decision they took lightly, as they recognized the urgent need for these services across our community. However, they were confident that this course of action was in the best interests of clients and caregivers and would allow for the time needed to resolve existing challenges.

 

Over the past several months, UMMH and CHL have invested in TSS, CSS, and Detox’s facilities in many ways, including a refreshed layout, as well as new furniture for client bedrooms, group meeting rooms, and staff offices, to make sure they meet our high standard of care.

 

As part of the reopening activities, CHL worked closely and met regularly with SEIU 509 representatives and continue to do so. They brought important perspectives and insights to the process and were important to the planning for the reopening process.

 

“TSS’s reopening is an important milestone in our journey to meet the challenges of today’s behavioral health care field,” said Gordon Benson, President (Interim), Community Healthlink.

 

Work continues on the reopening of CSS and Detox, with the reopening of CSS expected to happen in May, and Detox reopening some time after that.

By Meredith Lineman July 9, 2024
UMass Memorial Health – Community Healthlink announced today that it has reopened its Clinical Support Services (CSS) program. CSS – formerly known as PASSages – is a post-detox program that provides short-term (up to 30 days), intensive treatment for individuals in the early stages of substance use recovery.
By Meredith Lineman May 28, 2024
Community Healthlink was recently awarded five separate grants from three various Massachusetts state funders. These monetary awards will help us further our commitment to promoting, restoring, and maintaining the physical health, mental health and dignity of adults, children and families in Central Massachusetts who are experiencing mental illness, addiction, or homelessness.