Families seek to block closing of Illinois institution
December 12th, 2008From the Chicago Tribune, Southtown Star (Chicago Sun-Times News Group):
Hundreds of adults with developmental disabilities, along with their families and health-care workers, pleaded with Illinois officials Thursday not to proceed with the planned closure of the embattled Howe Developmental Center in Tinley Park.
The institution lost its Medicaid certification last year, stripping it of nearly $30 million in federal funding. Agencies such as Equip for Equality, the federally mandated watchdog for disabled-care facilities, say Howe has an embarrassing and reckless history of substandard care and patient neglect, contributing to 21 patient deaths since 2005.
Families argued that vulnerable residents would be harmed by a move to another facility.
Backing their stance were several state and local officials, many saying the closures were decided years ago — motivated by land value without regard to the public. “This has been a steamrolled event,” Cook County Commissioner Joan Patricia Murphy (D-Crestwood) said.
… Tuesday’s public corruption charges against Gov. Rod Blagojevich cast further skepticism … “How can we be sure that he did not sell the land Howe sits on for a sizeable campaign donation?” said one family member
Earlier posts:
Op-ed: ‘Howe to close at last’
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December 12th, 2008 at 4:39 pm
Why do the residents need to be moved to another “facility” if this institution closes. Why not a placement in the community with proper supports? I think families tend to get attached to “bricks and mortar” if that is all they have known for their children all along.
I think the tie in with the Illinois Governor is simply a case of using another issue as a possible excuse for maintaining institutions.
If my husband and I were to die today, my son would go to an institution. There is no other option. How said a commentary is that, after all we have done to make him a part of our local community.