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Penobscot Community Health Care is closing its Adult Wellness Center at 1068 Union St. on Nov. 6 and laying off staff, the healthcare provider announced Thursday.
There will be no significant disruption for patients, PCHC said, as the services provided there will transition to other locations, primarily its Penobscot Community Health Center down the road at 1012 Union St.
The restructuring comes after the organization, which is considered a safety net provider for low-income Mainers, announced last week that it needs $3 million within the next two months to avoid drastically cutting services or declaring bankruptcy. Losing those services would further strain a healthcare network in the region that is already stretched thin.
“This change is part of a broader effort to address ongoing financial challenges and ensure the long-term sustainability of our mission,” PCHC said in a statement to the Bangor Daily News, adding that the cuts were necessary to preserve access to care while addressing financial issues.
PCHC is Maine’s largest federally qualified health center and provides care regardless of insurance or ability to pay at clinics in Bangor, Brewer, Old Town, Belfast and Jackman.
Beyond closing the clinic for adults, PCHC has also eliminated its outreach and enrollment team and an administrative role.
In total, the organization is eliminating 16 positions. Eleven of those employees will be transferred internally to other roles or locations, PCHC said.
State lawmakers from both sides of the aisle have urged the Mills administration to provide emergency funding for PCHC.
“Like healthcare organizations across the country, PCHC continues to face significant financial pressures, including reimbursement challenges, rising operational costs, and ongoing uncertainty in the healthcare environment,” the organization said.