Plans to Cease Operations at Mayview MR Unit [31 Pa.B. 4019] Citing declining resident population and rising institutional costs, the Department of Public Welfare (Department) has announced plans to cease operations at the Mayview Mental Retardation Unit, a State operated institution for people with mental retardation on the grounds of Mayview State Hospital, Allegheny County. The facility is expected to close by July 30, 2001, once the individual needs of the final three residents at the unit are fully met.
In accordance with Act 3 of 1999, the Department will hold a public hearing at 6 p.m., Wednesday, July 25, 2001, at the Holiday Inn Pittsburgh South, 164 Fort Couch Road.
State law requires the Department to hold a public hearing on any State mental health or mental retardation facility within 30 days of a closure announcement or following a downsizing of 20% or more in patient population since December 31, 1997.
This closure announcement is the result of numerous factors including the successful placement of individuals with mental retardation into small community homes that provide alternatives to State-center treatments and living arrangements.
Individuals or organizations wishing to testify should contact Mary Puskarich, Regional Program Manager at (412) 565-5144 by July 20, 2001. Anyone requiring special accommodations is asked to inform the Department at the time of scheduling.
FEATHER O. HOUSTOUN,
Secretary[Pa.B. Doc. No. 01-1341. Filed for public inspection July 20, 2001, 9:00 a.m.]
