COLUMBIA — MU Health Care reduced its staff by 74 people and will close four Quick Care clinic locations effective August 1. The organization is also proposing changes to certain employee benefit programs.

The staff reductions primarily impacted non-clinical and administrative positions. Three Quick Care locations at Hy-Vee stores in Columbia will close, along with one Quick Care location in Jefferson City. MU Health Care currently has a workforce of approximately 6,800 people and more than 500 jobs remain open.

The proposed benefit changes include adjustments to retirement contributions, holidays, and paid time off. These proposals also feature enhancements such as dependent care assistance, expanded Employee Assistance Program counseling services, and new fertility and adoption benefits. The University of Missouri Board of Curators, which has a meeting scheduled for Thursday to discuss MU Health Care’s financials and an organizational update, must approve these proposed changes.

Ric Ransom, chief executive officer, said that changes are necessary for the organization to evolve with a rapidly changing healthcare landscape. Ransom also stated that these decisions are difficult but ensure MU Health Care remains strong and capable of serving patients and communities.

Employees affected by the staff reductions were provided with individualized support. This support included information regarding Transition Assistance Pay, benefits continuation, internal job opportunities, and other resources for transition.

No independent assessment of MU Health Care’s claims was available.