Institutions to Close

Harrisburg State Hospital currently serves 258 people, with a staff of 539. The Altoona Center serves 90 people with a staff of about 188. Harrisburg State Hospital serves seven counties -- Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Fulton, Perry and York. The people living at the Altoona Center are from 24 counties. DPW estimates that about 135 HSH residents will be moved into community settings, and the remainder of the individuals will be transferred to Danville State Hospital and Wernersville State Hospital. For the Altoona Center, DPW estimates about 45 residents will be placed in community settings in 2005, and 45 initially will be transferred to the Ebensburg Center.

Placing individuals in the community will be done through an array of living options, including group homes, public housing and living with family. For HSH, DPW will convene a community advisory team including residents, county representatives in the service area and other stakeholders to monitor and assist with implementation of the year-long closure process.

Representatives at the Altoona Center will work closely with individuals, families, counties, and providers to plan for and develop community living supports that meet the needs of each individual. Public hearings about the closure were held in both communities in late January. For more information, go to http://www.state.pa.us/papower/cwp/view.asp?Q=439862&A=11. For more information on the HSH closure, go to: http://www.dpw.state.pa.us/family/hshclosure/default.htm.