Lewiston, Maine-based Community Clinical Services plans to close its pediatric dental clinic due to budgetary shortfalls.
The FQHC was founded in 1985 to offer medical, behavioral and pediatric dental services to low-income residents.
The clinic posted a notice on its website April 2 stating that it must shutter certain services and lay off staff due to funding obstacles caused by the state’s Medicaid budget shortfall and ongoing federal funding challenges.
The clinic is laying off 39 staff members, representing a 34% reduction in its workforce. Its outpatient counseling center, psychiatry center, school-based health centers and its pediatric dental clinic will close May 1.
The dental center is the only clinic in the region that accepts Medicaid.
“It’s a sad day for our patients, staff, volunteer board members and the entire community,” the clinic said in its news release. “We ask for the public’s grace and compassion as we navigate the difficult days ahead. Our immediate focus is on our impacted patients and staff as we work on transition plans.”
