June 6, 2016
Statement by Senator Brian Schoenjahn of Arlington:
Senator Brian Schoenjahn
“I am surprised and disappointed by Governor Branstad’s unilateral decision to close the 15-bed Psychiatric Medical Institution for Children Unit at the Independence Mental Health Institute (MHI).
“Because of Governor Branstad’s unilateral decision to close this unit of the Independence MHI, Iowa children and their families will suffer. There will be fewer options and fewer Iowa caregivers for Iowa children in need of mental health care.
“The Governor’s claim that the psychiatric unit is not needed is based on deliberate sabotage. Last fall, workers at the Independence MHI told me the Branstad Administration was refusing to admit new patients to the PMIC. MHI administrators have since confirmed this fact in interviews with Iowa reporters.
“This is what this mistake means for Iowans: A successful, high quality, Iowa health care program is being dismantled based on deliberate sabotage by the Branstad Administration. Skilled Iowa caregivers who provided services to children at the Independence MHI have lost their jobs. In the end, Iowa kids and Iowa tax dollars will be sent out-of-state for health care that had been provided here in Iowa by Iowa workers.”
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