Legislators are in the process of determining the 2006-2007 budget for Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU). Within OHSU is the Child Development and Rehabilitation Center (CDRC). The Governor has proposed taking $4.5 million from the CDRC budget. The Joint Ways and Means Education Subcommittee will be holding a public hearing on April 19, at 8:30 to 10:30 AM at the capitol building. We are encouraging as many families to attend as possible and testify about the impact of CDRC in their lives.

Problem:

Approximately 6000 families, children, and adults with disabilities use the CDRC for specialty rehabilitation and other health services each year. If the CDRC receives a $4.5 million budget, services for half of those people will be cut. This includes programs in: Spina Bifida, Genetics, Feeding disorders, ADHD/Learning Disabilities, high risk infant followup, Neurobehavioral Treatment, and services of social work and special education. These cuts will impact close to 3,000 patients.

Talking Points:

• According to a recent national survey, Oregon already ranks lowest in the nation in meeting health care needs of children with special health care needs and disabilities in terms of:
o Unmet needs for specific health care services
o Families have inadequate support services
• The CDRC is the only place in the state that offers many of these services to children and adults.
• The proposed cuts will severely impact the development of children with disabilities.
• Not only will the above-mentioned clinics be closed, but all clinical and service programs within CDRC will be impacted. Some families will be forced to go to such places as San Francisco or Seattle for treatment.

Action:

Please contact your legislators, and let them know how much the Clinics at CDRC mean to our families! And, if you can, please come to the Ways & Means Hearing hearing on April 19, at 8:30 to 10:30 AM at the State Capitol in Salem to show your support.

Deadline for responding: Please write or call by Wednesday, April 20, 2005.