Families Fight to Keep Centers for the Developmentally Disabled Open

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK-- Families with loved ones living at the Northern Oklahoma Resource Center in Enid (NORCE) and Southern Oklahoma Resource Center in Pauls Valley (SORC) met Saturday to discuss their plan to fight the decision to close both facilities.

"I would ask the legislatures to think about having a safety net for these loved ones," said Marcellus Bell.

Bell's brother, Craig has lived at NORCE for more than 40-years.  Bell says he wants to see state officials keep at least one facility open.

"I'd ask them to open their eyes, open their mind," said Bell, "and not be caught up in money and politics."  

DHS says it would take millions of dollars to bring SORC and NORSE up to date.  The DHS Commission voted to close both facilities in November, and transition patients into home care facilities close to their families.

Sheree Powell, a spokesperson for DHS said in a statement:

We certainly understand the parents and guardians feelings and concerns about moving their loved ones.  At this time, we are in the process of setting up meetings with all of the families to address their concerns and plan for the safe transition of the residents to their new homes in communities. We are keeping communications open with the families and we will continue to work with them in a compassionate manner."

Although Bell says his family has explored alternative care options for Craig, he says everything Craig needs-- from doctors to caregivers, even a job, is under one roof at NORCE.  Bell says as a low-functioning, developmentally disabled adult, Craig needs to keep a consistent routine with his caregivers at NORCE. 

"The caregivers there, they just treat him like he's their own son," Bell explained.

DHS says despite concern from families of patients at NORCE and SORC, officials say they have successfully transitioned people into home care facilities for the last two decades.

Powell said in a statement:

"Community services have been proven to give people a much higher quality of life over institutional care."

Bell says regardless of what studies say, he knows NORCE gives Craig everything he needs to survive, which is why he plans to lobby for change with other families once the legislative session begins.

"We were put on this Earth, not to see how far we can advance, which level we can get to in life, we were here to take care of those who can't help themselves," said Bell, "so are we doing that?"

The legislative session begins Monday, February 4.  At least two lawmakers have filed legislation in response to the decision to close NORCE and SORC.   
Families Fight to Keep Centers for the Developmentally Disabled Open

Posted: Monday, January 21 2013, 09:42 PM CST