We made a promise to citizens with unique disabilities, and Yakima Valley School has been delivering on that promise for over 50 years, providing a home for Washington's most vulnerable people.
Efficiencies review yields additional savings of close to $1 million.
We made a promise. Let's keep it. SUPPORT Yakima Valley School.
| Sample Letter for Campaign |
Subject: Take a serious look at revenue generation BEFORE closing doors
Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,
You've heard from community members and citizens receiving services. You understand what's at stake. I understand the difficult job before you.
I challenge you to take a serious look at the state's business model of top-heavy administration and inadequate revenue generation before we look at closing valuable resources.
Tough times define us. Will we leave vulnerable people behind?
We made a promise to citizens with unique disabilities, and Yakima Valley School has been delivering on that promise for over 50 years, providing a home for Washington's most vulnerable people.
$199 per day "complete" cost to state. (RHC FY2008 Cost Details) All costs are computed for RHCs; not all costs are computed in the costs of community programs, so side by side comparisons of the details are not possible. Placing people in the community WILL cost more.
YVS leverages an investment of over $9 million in federal matching funds (FY2008). RHCs receive a higher federal match than nursing homes and community-based services.
YVS meets federal requirements for "choice of either institutional, or home and community-based services."
It's the law. The Olmstead Decision emphasizes we cannot impose community-based treatment on those who do not desire it.
YVS delivers consistent, quality care with trained professionals - resulting in a very low employee turn over rate.
Efficiencies review yields additional savings of close to $1 million.
We made a promise. Let's keep it. SUPPORT Yakima Valley School.
I've included more information below:
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Our Promise of No Refusal
Profit and non-profit services make tough choices everyday. Choices balanced on maintaining the bottomline. Sometimes they have to say no. As an independent business, they have a right of refusal - they can refuse to provide service.
Right now, higher minimum wage requirements and lower reimbursement rates will find many providers making tough decisions based on the cost of care.
Choice and Access
In FY07+FY08, 121 people requested RHC replacement and were reviewed by the Admission Review Team.
Here are the results of their recommendations: 21 were admitted; 89 were labeled admit/divert, with 56 diverted to community options; 11 were diverted/denied. Questions exist about this rationale.
Continuum of Care
Yakima Valley School is a home to people who benefit from the stability it provides: stability of environment; stability of care providers; stability of routine.
Removal to community-based or nursing home care will present a dramatic and perhaps detrimental change in their well-being.
Individualized Support
Yakima Valley School has the resources and experienced staff to ensure appropriate care.
STAT, Support Technical Assistance Team, provided service to 500 clients in the absence of community-based services in Yakima, Tri-City and Walla Walla - experience is priceless.
Economic Impact
Unemployment in Yakima is at 11.4%
Loss of 275 living wage jobs with an economic impact of $41.5 million.
Loss of jobs supporting life styles of those same 275 jobs.
Respite Care
Yakima Valley School provided 584 days of respire, or short term stay, care for children under the age of 18 years.
The reasons for respite services include: lost placement (behavior); assault; challenging disorders; heavy care medication; refused service; assist community provider.
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The absence of YVS will leave a gap in services.
I respectively request a reply.
Sincerely,
