SULLIVAN COUNTY — Thirty-three people are expected to lose their jobs between May 23 and August 15 as a result of Catholic Charities of Sullivan, Ulster and Orange Counties ceasing chemical dependency treatment and admission at its clinics in Monticello, Newburgh, Goshen and Port Jervis.

“The difficult decision comes as we face a critical staffing shortage and an evolving health care landscape that has made the continuation of care increasingly challenging,” Catholic Charities CEO Shannon Kelly said. “For those individuals currently enrolled in treatment, our dedicated staff are working to transfer all clients to the appropriate level of care at other local providers for continued treatment and recovery support.”

According to Catholic Charities, additional community outreach and engagement teams, such as peer advocates, will continue to be on hand to link individuals in need of treatment with appropriate resources.

The nonprofit will keep up its other initiatives in the area, such as case management, youth substance use prevention and education, food and housing assistance, community outreach and engagement, and immigration legal services.

According to the notice, there is no union representation for the workers who are losing their jobs.

In the area most affected by the opioid crisis, Sullivan County, Catholic Charities of Sullivan County will discontinue its addiction programs, as reported by the Sullivan County Democrat last Friday.

 With over 45 out of 10,000 residents dying or being hospitalized from overdoses in 2020—more than twice the statewide rate—Sullivan County has had the highest rate of opioid deaths in the state, according to State Department of Health data.

According to published reports, there have been reports of staff layoffs and program closures at several Catholic Charities organizations nationwide, especially those involved in refugee resettlement.

Those in need of assistance can get in touch with their county’s Catholic Charities office:

Sullivan: 845-794-8080

Orange: 845-294-5124

Ulster: 845-340-9170