AM I NEXT? NO LOVE AT ASANTE HEALTH SYSTEMS

Medford, Oregon-based Asante Health Systems, a regional medical network with three hospitals and 36 community-based clinics serving a nine-county region in southern Oregon and northern California, has announced a 3% reduction in force.

The reduction will impact approximately 180 employees in administrative and support positions. It appears that the decision is being driven by ongoing financial losses over the last two years.

According to published reports, "Asante faces an ongoing investigation of alleged drug diversion at its Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford. Asante also was ordered by the Oregon District of the U.S. Attorney's Office to pay $430,000 in December to settle allegations of medical fraud."

A company statement noted, "Asante has stated that it will be operating differently to meet current and future healthcare challenges in the wake of these layoffs. With a strategic approach, the health system aims to navigate its way through current financial challenges while continuing to deliver necessary health services to the community."

Change is coming. There will always be a tomorrow, no matter how much you may try to ignore it. There are no guarantees in life or promises for a bright future. We see good people being laid off through no fault of their own. Just because something bad hasn't happened yet doesn't mean it won't. It can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere. No one is guaranteed to wake up tomorrow and still have a job by evening. Are you now wondering, Am I Next?

AM I NEXT? NO LOVE AT SMILEDIRECTCLUB

Nashville, Tennessee-based SmileDirectClub, a teledentistry offering direct-to-consumer dentistry and orthodonistry, has announced it has declared bankruptcy and is shuttering its global operations after its failure to raise additional capital and satisfy its lenders.

The shutdown impacts all employees, contractors, and vendors. At one point, the company claimed 6,300 employees and associates.

According to a statement on its website, "SmileDirectClub has made the incredibly difficult decision to wind down its global operations, effective immediately. For new customers interested in SmileDirectClub services, thank you for your interest, but aligner treatment is no longer available through our telehealth platform. For existing customers, we apologize for the inconvenience, but customer care support is no longer available. Thank you for your support and for letting us improve over 2 million smiles and lives."

Change is coming. There will always be a tomorrow, no matter how much you may try to ignore it. There are no guarantees in life or promises for a bright future. We see good people being laid off through no fault of their own. Just because something bad hasn't happened yet doesn't mean it won't. It can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere. No one is guaranteed to wake up tomorrow and still have a job by evening. Are you now wondering, Am I Next?

AM I NEXT? NO LOVE AT SOUTHWESTERN HEALTH RESOURCES

Farmers Branch, Texas-based Southwestern Health Resources, an alliance created by Texas Health Resources and UT Southwestern Medical Center, has announced a reorganization and a reduction in force.

Approximately 288 employees, including intake specialists, coding auditors and reviewers, business analysts, registered dieticians and quality auditors, and other support roles, are impacted by the reorganization, with layoffs scheduled by December 31, 2023.

According to a company spokesperson, “After careful consideration, we are adjusting our organizational structure and aligning our staffing model to meet current needs in our evolving healthcare market while also maximizing value, quality, and service for our patients. We are providing support and resources for employees whose positions are impacted."

Change is coming. There will always be a tomorrow, no matter how much you may try to ignore it. There are no guarantees in life or promises for a bright future. We see good people being laid off through no fault of their own. Just because something bad hasn't happened yet doesn't mean it won't. It can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere. No one is guaranteed to wake up tomorrow and still have a job by evening. Are you now wondering, Am I Next?