More Than 100 Participants Will Call for Decisionmakers to Keep Pomona Center Open
POMONA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Save Lanterman:
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WHEN: |
Monday, April 26, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., prior to an April 29 state Senate hearing to consider the proposed Lanterman Developmental Center closure plan. |
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WHERE: |
Lanterman Developmental Center, 3530 Pomona Blvd., Pomona, Calif.; |
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front entrance on Diamond Bar Blvd. |
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WHO: |
More than 100 expected participants including residents, family members, staff, and concerned citizens; event sponsored by the Save Lanterman coalition. |
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VISUALS: |
Participants waving picket signs calling on legislators to save Lanterman. |
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WHY: For more than 80 years, Lanterman Developmental Center has cared for thousands of Californians with developmental disabilities who depend on the facility’s unique combination of medical, therapeutic and rehabilitative round-the-clock services. But now the facility is the target of closure, primarily due to state budget cuts.
However, Save Lanterman coalition members say equal or better – or more cost-effective – services for these vulnerable individuals simply are not available in other settings, such as group homes.
“The transfer of Lanterman residents to community settings would jeopardize their lives and those of others who rely on a community system that is not sufficient to care for everyone with complex medical and behavioral needs at the professional level required,” says Robert Hazard, whose sister lives at Lanterman. “There is no assurance that the residents will receive the services they need if they are moved to the community.”
“We believe a facility closure at the very least would be a highly disruptive experience causing clients great emotional and physical stress, and at the very worst would lead to dangerously inadequate care in inferior, little-regulated group homes,” said Tony Myers, a Lanterman Senior Psychiatric Technician.
State senators will consider the formal closure plan at an April 29 hearing in Sacramento, choosing whether to adopt DDS’ proposal plan, to amend it or to oppose it. The Save Lanterman coalition asks members of the public to help them convince legislators to oppose the closure: By logging on to saveldc.org, concerned members of the community can find out more information about the facility and can get their legislators’ contact information. They can also add their names to a petition showing their support for Lanterman and its hundreds of residents.
CONTACT:
Save Lanterman
Brad Whitehead, 909-595–1085 or 909-214–2198
KEYWORDS: United States North America California
INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Health Hospitals Public Policy/Government Labor State/Local General Health
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