NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) - Highview of Northampton, a nursing center in Leeds, has submitted a formal request to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health seeking approval to close the facility, according to a statement sent to 22News. Martin Luther King Junior Family Services holds 2nd annual Holiday Tree Jubilee at the Greek Cultural Center in Springfield The announcement, made on October 8, outlined the center’s decision to initiate a 120-day closure process, potentially concluding operations by February 4, 2025. According to a statement sent to 22News from Highview's parent company, Athena Health Care Systems, the decision comes after years of financial strain due to workforce shortages, increasing costs, and limited reimbursement for care, particularly for patients with substance use disorder diagnoses, who make up the majority of Highview’s residents. Despite significant investments in staffing, specialized training, and medication support, the facility has faced mounting financial losses for the past three years, with projections of further deficits. Highview cited critical building updates, including improvements to its heating and cooling system, as among the hurdles it could not overcome. "While we explored every possible option, we simply could not find a way to operate thebuilding and its programs sustainably going forward,” said a representative for Athena Health Care Systems. “It has been a privilege to care for the residents of Highview and be part of the Northampton community,” the statement concluded. Moving forward, the center is prioritizing the safe transition of its residents to other facilities, whether within the Athena network or with external providers. Staffing levels will be maintained to ensure care continuity during the transition period. Local News Headlines Highview of Northampton files for closure amid financial challenges Northampton hosts Bag Day sale with discounts Wilbraham Senior Center hosts holiday bazaar Santa makes grand return to Holyoke Mall Saturday WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.