Re: Fw: PF NEWS - PARTLOW TO CLOSE

[Guest guest]

Awesome news for the Alabama residents.... Don't know WHY the powers to be in IL

can't see what should be done.

Liz

[Guest guest]

What we are missing is a Governor who does not believe that the old boys

network supersedes the best interests of his constituents.

From: ELLEN BRONFELD <egskb@...>

Subject: Fw: PF NEWS - PARTLOW TO CLOSE

NOEWAIT , IPADDUnite

Date: Saturday, March 5, 2011, 3:20 AM

 

WHAT ARE WE MISSING, HERE IN ILLINOIS!!!

Ellen

Ellen Garber Bronfeld

egskb@...

IMPORTANT NEWS

PARTLOW TO CLOSE !

March 4, 2011 - The Alabama Department of Mental Health has announced plans to

close the W.D. Partlow Developmental Center in Tuscaloosa, Alabama with a target

date of September 30, 2011. Today, ADMH Commissioner Zelia Baugh made the

announcement to employees at Partlow and discussed the transition plan for

residents and employees.

See the attached Press release

SPREAD THE WORD!

--

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Office of Public Information

March 4, 2011 334.242.3417

W. D. PARTLOW DEVELOPMENTAL CENTER CLOSING

RESIDENTS TRANSITION TO COMMUNITY LIFE

MONTGOMERY - The Alabama Department of Mental Health has announced plans to

close the

W.D. Partlow Developmental Center in Tuscaloosa, Alabama with a target date of

September 30,

2011. Today, ADMH Commissioner Zelia Baugh made the announcement to employees at

Partlow

and discussed the transition plan for residents and employees.

" Our first priority, " said Baugh, " is to the people we serve - their health,

safety and quality of life.

Job preservation will be a top priority as well. We are committed to assisting

our dedicated staff in

finding alternative employment. We anticipate that close to 400 jobs will be

created in the private

sector, many of those with certified providers, as Partlow residents transition

into the community.

Approximately 407 Partlow employees will need replacement assistance and will

have priority

consideration for these opportunities. "

Partlow is the only remaining state institution for people with intellectual

disabilities. Currently,

Partlow serves 151 residents. There have been no new admissions in the last two

years and the

facility has consistently downsized over that same period. By comparison,

approximately 6,000

people with intellectual disabilities receive services through a network of more

than 100 certified

community providers across the state. Eleven other states have closed all their

public institutions

for those with intellectual disabilities and Alabama will become the first state

in the south to

achieve this milestone. Advocacy groups in favor of this transition are The Arc

of Alabama and its

local affiliates, People First of Alabama, The Alabama Council of Community

Mental Health

Boards, Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program, Disabilities Leadership Coalition

of Alabama

and the Alabama Developmental Disabilities Council.

Each resident will have an individual placement plan that accommodates their

specific needs.

ADMH has a strong quality-of-care commitment and will monitor each individual's

success in the

community. In 2003-04, the department closed three of its four developmental

centers. Satisfaction

surveys following the transition gave substantial evidence that clients and

family members were

very happy about the move to community life. Along with community life

opportunities for

Partlow residents, the department anticipates that by closing the facility it

will be able to provide

community services to additional consumers who are now on a waiting list.

Facts about W.D. Partlow Developmental Center (pg. 2)

Facts about W.D. Partlow Developmental Center

Founded: 1923

Named for: Third superintendent of Bryce Hospital, Dr. W.D. Partlow

Campus contains: 23 buildings on 141 acres

The Residential Cottages underwent major renovations in the 1980's

Number of Residents: 151

Number of Employees: 455

Annual Budget for FY11: $42 million

Annual Payroll: $15.8 million