Welcome to CDRC’s first newsletter in year 5!!!!! Thank you ALL for supporting CDRC for the first 4 years. We are HAPPY that we can help with the issues that are important to you for another year. In this edition, we will be talking about Money Follows The Person Demonstration grant, What’s going on at Rosewood, The Candidates Forum and, CDRC’s Board Of Leadership election coming up in December.
Rosewood
As
probably all of you have heard, The Rosewood Center was cited by the Office of
Health Care Quality (OHCQ). OHCQ said that Rosewood had until October 18, to fix
the problem areas or they (OHCQ) would recommend to the Federal Government
(Medicaid money funds the support of many of the Rosewood residents.) that
funding be decreased or eliminated. Some of the things Rosewood was cited on
were: excessive use of restraints and not protecting residents from harming
themselves or others. In their report OHCQ said “Conditions at your facility pose an immediate jeopardy to the
individuals.” You can read all about
this story on the internet by using these two links, http://www.examiner.com/a323815~Center_for_disabled_cited_for_hazardous_conditions.html,
or
in the Baltimore Sun at this address:
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/health/bal-md.rosewood29sep29,1,4716512.story
Candidate
Forum
In early September, the Maryland Disability Forum hosted a “Candidates Form” for Baltimore Mayor Martin O’Malley and Governor Ehrlich. Both are running for Governor in November. The event was an opportunity for the two candidates to talk about their position on disability issues. After Mayor O’Malley and Governor Ehrlich spoke, it was time for questions from the audience. CDRC Co-Leader Little John asked both of the candidates, “Would you make a commitment towards moving Maryland towards becoming a institution free state for persons with Developmental Disabilities as 8 other states have done already.” Many people in the audience were surprised to hear the Governor say that, “There are only 375 people in the 4 state institutions. I’ll take your compliment… Olmstead did not dictate the closing of those institutions. It emphasized institutional means. For a relatively few, the institution may be the appropriate place and the least restrictive setting.” Mayor O’Malley responded to the question by saying “Certainly I will make the commitment to promoting community living and to promoting that as an option and making sure that we have more choices available to more people…” CDRC and our allies know that everyone can live in the community with the proper supports.
Money Follows the Person (MFP)
The state of Maryland is applying for a grant from the federal government called the Money Follows the Person Demonstration Rebalancing grant. This money can assist the state to get people out of Nursing Facilities and State Residential Centers. This grant would pay up to 75% of the cost for the first year of a person leaving a Nursing Facility or a State Residential Center. This means that the state would receive more money from the federal government to move people who are living in Nursing Facilities and State Residential Centers out to the community. Some people call it the “No more excuses” grant because with all that money, the state would have no more excuses for not closing the SRCs and helping everyone out of nursing facilities who want to go. There are 36 states that are applying for this grant, but just 10 states will get a piece of this very important grant. The Department of Health & Mental Hygiene (DHMH, they are the ones trying to get the money in Maryland) want people with disabilities to tell them how they would like to see the money spent. At the first meeting, CDRC members and others said they wanted to see people with disabilities moved out of nursing Facilities (NFs) and Institutions (SRCs) now. The department must decide who they will free, how many people, and how they will do it. We need you there to tell them everyone must be free now!
The next meeting is on Thursday, October 12 at 12:30 – 3:30. The address is 5900 Metro Dr. in Baltimore. CDRC members are asked to arrive early if possible.
MAC Update
At the September 27 Medicaid Advisory Committee meeting, the Secretary presented information about premiums that people on Medicaid may have to pay. Next meeting, where the disability community representatives will need to give their recommendations about who should be charged how much, is October 26th.
Talbot
County Disability Coalition
On Tuesday the 3rd, Kenny & John made a presentation to the Talbot County Disability Coalition in Easton. The group is made of people who work for educational programs, a support program, church representatives, and others who work with persons with disabilities. The group said afterwards that they were very impressed with our presentation, and our group, and hope to work with us in the future.
More
Election Stuff
Remember the election for many state officials including the Governor and state Senators is coming up in November. Be sure to exercise your right to vote on November 7th. If you have questions, be sure to ask someone. It is very important. CDRC hopes to have something special for you at the October meeting that is election related. Be sure to come and be part of it.
Board
Of Leadership
Speaking of elections. CDRC will be electing a new Board Of Leadership in December. If you want to run for a spot on the BOL, please let John or Kenny know as soon as possible. We will be sending out something for candidates to complete and send back to us soon.
Next meeting
October 22
1:00 – 4:00
3501 Russette Common (Library)
Laurel, Maryland