Pennsylvania Set to Close Hamburg State Center

 According to the news release, the closure of Hamburg Center will come 19 months after the January 11, 2017, announcement of the planned closure of the facility, which is in Berks County. There were 80 individuals living at the center in January 2017. 

 “Research shows that when an individual with an intellectual or developmental disability live in a community setting, quality of life improves, and more opportunities arise for social participation, community integration, relationships with family and friends, and employment,” said DHS Secretary Miller. “Transitioning residents of the Hamburg State Center will help them grow and thrive in new ways and sets the foundation for a long-term increased quality of life.”

“The Hamburg closure is part of the Wolf Administration’s commitment to reduce reliance on institutional care, serve more people in the community, and most importantly, make it possible for people to live an everyday life, as their fellow citizens do.”