October 24, 2008

Health facilities association of Maryland endorses slots referendum

Say Social Costs To Frailest Marylanders Will Be Too High If Question 2 Fails

CLINTON, MD (October 24, 2008) - Today, The Health Facilities Association of Maryland (HFAM) - whose members operate 150 nursing homes - announced its endorsement of the November slots referendum, urging its members, more than 18,000 employees, patients, family members and all Marylanders to vote FOR Question 2.

Eric Shope, Chairman of HFAM's Board of Directors, cited the state's tough financial situation - and recent budget cuts - as critical to his organization's decision to support the measure - noting the harm that deeper budget cuts would cause.

"We understand, better than most, the social costs if the slots referendum should fail," Shope said. "It is our responsibility to care for the most fragile members of our society. Families rely upon us in their moments of greatest need - when their loved ones are no longer able to care for themselves. And we are very concerned that without the revenue from slots, we will not be able to carry out our responsibility to the best of our abilities."

Last week, as part of its effort to close this year's $432 million budget deficit, the Board of Public Works cut Maryland's investment in nursing home care by $25.5 million. At the time, HFAM's leaders pledged that they will do everything they can to maintain the current high quality of care, but expressed concern about the future.

"With the State facing a $1 billion deficit next year - and with those opposed to slots offering no solutions whatsoever - we felt we needed to speak up for our patients, many of whom cannot speak for themselves," said Shope. "The people we care for are the names and faces behind the budget cut numbers in Maryland. We cannot ignore the damage that would be done by further cuts."

As a result, the Health Facilities Association of Maryland has endorsed the slots referendum as the only realistic alternative to deep cuts in critical needs like education and nursing care. The Association supports recapturing dollars that are already being spent playing slots in Delaware, West Virginia and Pennsylvania - to invest in Maryland.

The Health Facilities Association of Maryland is a voluntary, non-profit trade association. It was chartered in 1948 and is Maryland's leading long-term care association. Representing over 225 licensed nursing homes, HFAM collectively serves its members through communication and cooperation with more than 30 state, county and local governmental agencies. Its members consist of comprehensive nursing, assisted living, sub-acute, and transitional care units, all fully licensed in Maryland. Every type of ownership is represented - from individual and multi-facility to nonprofit, church and government.