Pennsylvania DHS Delays Closure Of Two State Centers For People With I/DD

In May 2022, the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) informed stakeholders that it would delay the scheduled closures of two state centers for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) until November 30, 2022. The centers are the Polk State Center in Venango County and White Haven State Center in Luzerne County. DHS said the delay is due to challenges created by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) public health emergency.

According to a DHS spokesperson, the delay in closures allows more time for transition planning in moving the residents to smaller and more community-based settings. The current . . .