Penobscot Community Health Care announced pay freezes and other cost-cutting measures as the Bangor-based nonprofit seeks to reduce operating losses while continuing to provide core services.
In Bangor, the Warren Center for Speech and Hearing has already paused its services following provider departures and faces potential closure amid discussions with an organization that could take over. With no agreement yet in place, PCHC said the center may close on or around Nov. 13.
Speech therapy services previously provided through the Warren Center have already ended following provider departures and will not be restarted by PCHC, the organization said.
Unlimited Solutions Clubhouse in Bangor is also at risk of closing at the end of November. PCHC said that Kennebec Behavioral Health has “preliminarily agreed” to take over the operation, which serves adults with mental illness. If the transition is not completed, PCHC said the program will shut down.
Penobscot Community Health Care also said it has eliminated two overnight positions within its Transitional Housing program and will not provide employees with raises this year or fund 2025 discretionary retirement contributions.
The cutbacks are part of broader efforts to reduce costs and preserve cash as PCHC works to stabilize its financial position. They come on top of measures announced last week that will eliminate 16 jobs.
“We know these changes have serious consequences for employees, the people who rely on these programs, and the communities we serve and wish they were not necessary,” said Lori Dwyer, president and CEO of Penobscot Community Health Care.
“Our commitment is that we will continue to make the critical changes in structure and scope necessary to strengthen PCHC for the long term and be here for our communities,” she added. “At the same time, we will work tirelessly to preserve important services wherever possible.”
Penobscot Community Health Care is a nonprofit, federally qualified health center founded in 1997.
