Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Ted Dallas announced on Jan. 11 that DHS plans to close the Hamburg State Center in Hamburg for people with intellectual disabilities in Berks County.
DHS will also close the civil section of Norristown State Hospital (Norristown) in Montgomery County.
The closures are expected to take approximately 18 to 24 months to complete as residents transition to the community.
The closures are part of the Wolf Administration’s commitment to serve more people in the community, reduce reliance on institutional care, and improve access to home- and community-based services for Pennsylvanians.
“Individuals experience a better quality of life when they receive care and support in their homes and in their communities, when possible,” said Dallas. “Today’s announcement means we are expanding opportunities for residents to live their lives to the fullest by returning to their homes and communities as contributing members of society.”
At the Hamburg State Center, DHS operates five state centers for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Hamburg, one of the state centers, currently serves 80 residents at its 154-acre campus.
Over the last 20 years, the resident population at Pennsylvania’s state centers has decreased by nearly 70 percent, from almost 3,000 people to the current 888. Nationally, the number of people with intellectual disabilities living in state-operated centers peaked in 1967. Since then, the number of state-operated centers and people living in them has steadily declined. Fourteen states have closed all of their state-operated centers.
“This closure will enable the residents to live in the community when possible,” said Dallas. “Research shows that community settings result in improved quality of life in areas such as opportunities for integration and social participation, participation in employment, opportunities for choice-making and self-determination, contact with friends and relatives, adaptive behavior, and other indicators of quality of life.”
Prior to leaving the facility, individuals will participate in a series of assessments and planning meetings in order to determine their level of need for services and support as they look toward a successful life in the community or with family. The assessment and planning process will ensure that their new homes are both safe, appropriate, and supportive and will include the individual and their family in that process.
The transition is about choice and providing people with options. DHS will hold several sessions over the course of the next few months to ensure that each individual, family member, and decision maker is fully informed of all available options and that they have the opportunity to meet with potential providers and explore all potential options.
The department will work to provide both hospital and center staff viable employment opportunities at other state-operated facilities or with new or existing community programs.
“All Pennsylvanians deserve the right to choose where they live – with family, friends, and neighbors in communities where everyone is welcome,” said Dallas.
In a statement released to media, Disability Rights Pennsylvania Chief Executive Officer Peri Jude Radecic commended Dallas on his announcement to close Hamburg State Center and the Civil Section of Norristown State Hospital.
“The closure announcement today is the result of decades of movement away from institutional living in Pennsylvania. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) sought to end the isolation and segregation of persons with disabilities,” said Radecic. “Court decisions have affirmed the right to move and live in the community. For decades, our Commonwealth has demonstrated that state operated institutions can close and individuals can be moved to the community safely. Today’s announcement affirms the Department of Human Services commitment to offer community-based living for people with disabilities. DRP’s mission is to protect and advocate for the rights of people with disabilities so that they may live the lives they choose, free from abuse, neglect, discrimination, and segregation.”
DHS will hold a public hearing from 1 to 4 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 30, at the Hamburg Borough Building, 61 North Third St. in Hamburg to accept comment about the closure from stakeholders, officials, and the community. Those wishing to provide comments are asked to register by contacting Connie Meeker at 717-783-8964 or cmeeker@pa.gov. Written comments can be submitted via email to RA-PWRAStateCenters@pa.gov.
DHS has established a toll-free number for family members of Hamburg residents to use during the closure process. Family members will be able to speak with staff from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday by calling 1-888-565-9435.
For more information regarding the closure and the repurposing, visit www.dhs.pa.gov.
Hamburg Item added Disability Rights Pennsylvania statement.
