State will close MRDD centers, Taft says

A special commission recommended closing the two centers.
By JEFF ORTEGA
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
COLUMBUS -- The closures of Springview and Apple Creek developmental centers will go forward as planned.
Republican Gov. Bob Taft said Friday he is accepting a recommendation from a special closure commission to proceed and shutter Springview in Clark County and Apple Creek in Wayne County by June 30, 2005, and June, 30, 2006, respectively.
Residents choosing to move to another state mental retardation facility or community setting will have their first or second choices accommodated, Taft said.
And no resident will be forced to move more than once from the center to get their first or second choice, Taft said.
Community care
The closure recommendation, submitted by a majority of the six-member commission, noted that testimony before the panel indicated that nine states have abandoned state-run mental retardation centers in favor of care in the communities.
Further, the recommendation from the four-member majority said state MRDD officials have indicated that the state needs fewer than the 12 current centers and that the Springview and Apple Creek facilities are two of the oldest in the state system.
Springview, which houses 48 patients, was built in 1910, and Apple Creek, which houses 119 patients, was built in 1931.
The Apple Creek center near Wooster and the Springview center in Springfield were chosen based on a variety of issues: the daily cost per resident, capital construction needs, age of facilities, demand for admissions and proximity to other centers, Taft's statement said.
Last year, Taft announced his intention to close the two centers, saying the closures would save about $23 million in the next four years.
The state's 10 other developmental centers are in Toledo, Cambridge, Columbus, Gallipolis, Huber Heights, Mt. Vernon, Batavia, Tiffin, Mineral Ridge and Highland Hills.