The stakes could hardly be any higher, or the moral decision any starker. "It's about the most vulnerable people in New Jersey," said Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle, (D-Englewood).
Assemblywoman
Valerie Vainieri Huttle, D-Englewood. - See more at:
http://www.northjersey.com/news/nj-lawmakers-move-to-stop-patient-transfers-until-deaths-of-two-disable-residents-investigated-1.1034656#sthash.P1gyBaW3.dpuf
“It’s
about the most vulnerable people in New Jersey,” she said. - See more
at:
http://www.northjersey.com/news/nj-lawmakers-move-to-stop-patient-transfers-until-deaths-of-two-disable-residents-investigated-1.1034656#sthash.P1gyBaW3.dpuf
“It’s
about the most vulnerable people in New Jersey,” she said. - See more
at:
http://www.northjersey.com/news/nj-lawmakers-move-to-stop-patient-transfers-until-deaths-of-two-disable-residents-investigated-1.1034656#sthash.P1gyBaW3.dpuf""
“It’s
about the most vulnerable people in New Jersey,” - See more at:
http://www.northjersey.com/news/nj-lawmakers-move-to-stop-patient-transfers-until-deaths-of-two-disable-residents-investigated-1.1034656#sthash.P1gyBaW3.dpuf
“It’s
about the most vulnerable people in New Jersey,” - See more at:
http://www.northjersey.com/news/nj-lawmakers-move-to-stop-patient-transfers-until-deaths-of-two-disable-residents-investigated-1.1034656#sthash.P1gyBaW3.dpuf
“It’s
about the most vulnerable people in New Jersey,” - See more at:
http://www.northjersey.com/news/nj-lawmakers-move-to-stop-patient-transfers-until-deaths-of-two-disable-residents-investigated-1.1034656#sthash.P1gyBaW3.dpuf
Of all the expenditures that can be reduced or cut from the state's budget, why is the government intent on eliminating critical services for residents with developmental disabilities, including some who "are unable to walk, talk, feed, dress or bathe themselves and require round-the-clock care," according to a recent article in The Asbury Park Press. Surely we, as a society, a state, and a nation, can find other corners of government spending to squeeze. Why isn't this obvious in Trenton? One can only wonder if the answer is related to the fact that the citizens who will bear the brunt of this decision--the residents at WDS--have little if any influence in political matters. As constituencies go, this one will probably have little to say. But while this may be an easy political decision, it has disaster written all over it--mostly for the residents and their families. Trenton's ill-advised reasoning is that WDS residents will be better served in smaller group homes. But two recent deaths at such facilities raise serious questions about the wisdom of moving WDS patients into group homes. As NJSpotlight.com explained in June:
Advocates argue that the services available at the centers [such as WDS] are more
comprehensive than those available in group homes, emphasizing that
center staff members are more experienced and develop long-term
relationships with residents.
As misguided as the state's plan is, it's not yet fate. A recently introduced bill--A-1110/S2198--imposes a temporary delay in moving residents. It's only a temporary delay, and one with an uncertain future and an unclear outcome, but for now it's at least is a step in the right direction. But even this small step isn't assured--it's currently under review in an Assembly committee. There's still time to let your representatives--and Governor Christie--know how you feel. Call, email, or write the folks in Trenton... before it's too late.
To find your legislator (and send an email), click here. Also, get in touch with Governor Christie:
Governor Chris Christie
(609) 292-6000 phone
govchristie@gov.state.nj.us
Chris.christie@gov.state.nj.us
(609) 292-5212 Fax
Office of the Governor
PO Box 001
Trenton, NJ 08625
609-292-6000
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