ODP Announcement 19-114 provides information for Act 3 Hearings Regarding the Closure of Polk and White Haven Centers. On August 14, 2019 the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) announced the impending closure of Polk and White Haven Centers. Within 30 days after this announcement, the Department of Human Services (DHS) must hold an Act 3 hearing within the county where each facility is located. ODP has scheduled two public hearings to meet this requirement. This announcement provides a description of the hearing format as well as locations, dates, and times of those hearings.
Polk Center’s Act 3 hearing is scheduled for Monday, September 9, 2019. White Haven’s Act 3 hearing follows on Thursday, September 12, 2019. Each hearing is intended to provide an opportunity for any person to provide comments on the closure. In order to do so, commentators must register.
The Act 3 hearing schedule and registration contact information is as follows:
Polk Center’s Act 3 Hearing – Monday, September 9, 2019, 5:00 pm at Atlantic Avenue Church, 160 Atlantic Ave., Franklin, PA 16323. Those wishing to provide comments must register and may do so as follows:
- Call: 814-432-0213
- Email questions or written comments to: RA-PWRAStateCenters@pa.gov
White Haven Center’s Act 3 Hearing – Thursday, September 12, 2019, 5:00 pm at St. Patrick’s Church, 411 Allegheny St., White Haven, PA 18661. Those wishing to provide comments must register and may do so as follows:
- Call: 570-443-4201
- Email questions or written comments to: RA-PWRAStateCenters@pa.gov
DHS will be seeking public comment on: the estimated timelines for closure; the types and array of services that will be available to Center residents once they transition out of the facilities; the rights of individuals with disabilities and their families; the process used to develop a community living plan; health and safety, individual and community monitoring; the responsibilities of state and local government; any identified issues which may affect individuals with disabilities and their families, employees, and the community; and what may occur with the properties on which the centers are located.