In August, the Wolf Administration announced a three-year plan to close the White Haven and Polk State Centers. Tuesday, a lawsuit was filed against the Commonwealth over this plan.

These State Centers serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The plaintiffs in this lawsuit say the closure of Polk and White Haven will have severe negative effects on its residents.

“Moving these persons out to group homes, or rather “community” residences, will harm them psychologically, emotionally, medically, and physically,” says Tom York, Attorney representing the Plaintiffs in this lawsuit. “Even worse, for some, this hurry to close all developmental centers is an effective death sentence,” York adds.

The Department of Human Services plan would close the White Haven and Polk State Centers within three years, and transition the residents to community living. DHS says the goal of these closures is to serve more people in the community, reduce reliance on institutional care, and increase access to home and community-based services. DHS cites a recent study, saying research has shown “people are healthier, and experience more opportunities and a higher quality of life in community-based settings.”

Stakeholders say the community can’t offer the services and support State Centers can.  They say many of the individuals require 24/7 attention and medical care.

“The Commonwealth is not only evicting the residents who have called these centers home for decades, but it is denying future generations their right to receive comprehensive care now available,” says Susan Jennings, who has a son living in the White Haven State Center.

The federal civil rights lawsuit against the Commonwealth is seeking to keep the White Haven and Polk State Centers open. Supporters say keeping them open would give disabled people the right to high-quality services and protection in State Centers. The focal point of the lawsuit is continuing to give families the right to choose.

“We have to push back in every possible way to preserve a safe, caring, and high-quality choice for their family members,” says Senator Scott Hutchinson (R-Butler, Clarion, Forest, Venango, Warren)

According to the Pennsylvania DHS, Polk State Center in Venango County serves just under 200 residents on a 2,000-acre campus. White Haven State Center, located in Luzerne County, serves around 110 residents on a 192-acre campus. DHS says this compares to the 40,000 Pennsylvanians living with disabilities being supported by community-based services and settings.

Governor Tom Wolf’s Press Secretary, J.J. Abbott, says the Governor’s office can’t comment on active litigation. However, Abbott did release the following statement:

“As the department has clearly stated, current residents of these State Centers will be placed immediately with a community provider, or can choose to relocate to another state center, and losing these centers will not add to the waiting list.  The long process will allow for a smooth transition for residents and their families. Disability experts overwhelmingly agree that community-based care is preferred over institutionalization. Governor Wolf has secured historic increases in funding to reduce these waitlists. The remaining waitlist for these services shows that there is demand for community-based care. Therefore, further investment and transition to community-based care should be the priority for state government. Transitioning from institutionalization will also create more available funding for community-based care.”

Meanwhile, Senate Bill 906 is a proposal that would put a moratorium on the closing of the Polk and White Haven State Centers until more research is done, and the state is “better prepared to respond to the impending result.” SB906 passed the House last Wednesday, but amendments were made, so it needs to be voted on in the Senate once more. If it passes the Senate, it will then head to Governor Wolf’s desk. But according to Abbott, Governor Wolf says he will veto the Bill.

To learn more about the DHS plan to close White Haven and Polk State Centers, click here: https://www.media.pa.gov/Pages/DHS_details.aspx?newsid=406

We will continue to provide updates to this story as they develop.