As we've been sharing for a few years, federal rules from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), along with several other mandates, are requiring Hamilton County DD Services, and every county DD board across the state, to change the traditional ways services have been delivered for more than 40 years.
Last May we began a formal Request for Qualifications (RFQ) process to find a provider to operate Beckman, Franks, and Kidd adult centers. We chose this option to give individuals and families the greatest control over their services and provide continuity for those who wish to stay at the adult centers. That process is complete and a provider has been selected. Beginning May 1, operation of Beckman, Franks, and Kidd adult centers will become the full responsibility of Active Day.
Active Day is the largest provider of adult day and personal home services in the United States. They currently have more than 80 locations across the country helping more than 6,200 individuals achieve a healthy and active quality of life. "We're excited to have this opportunity to work with the individuals and staff at Beckman, Franks, and Kidd adult centers and look forward to continuing to provide quality services to people with developmental disabilities in this community," said Craig Mehnert, chief operating officer at Active Day.
Hamilton County DD Services will continue to operate the centers through the end of April with everyone who chooses to attend and the staff who want to remain employed with us until then. On May 1 Active Day will assume operation of Beckman, Franks, and Kidd providing the same array of services, including work and leisure opportunities, to everyone who wants to stay at the adult centers and with staff who accept employment with the new provider.
We recognize these times of significant change are difficult for everyone, but we are working to make this transition as seamless as possible for all involved. Although Hamilton County DD Services will no longer provide direct services through the adult centers, we will continue to provide quality monitoring and remain the source of funding for individuals.
Between now and May 1, service and support administrators (SSAs) will be working with individuals who attend the adult centers to complete "My Plan" revisions. We will host informational meetings for family members with representatives from Active Day
on March 14 at 10 a.m. at Kidd; 1 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. at Beckman; and on March 15 at 10 a.m. at Franks.
The dedication, care, and patience of our staff at the adult centers has been unparalleled, particularly during these recent times of uncertainty. We are tremendously grateful for each and every one of these wonderful staff members. One of our requirements in the RFQ was the new provider employ staff who currently work at the adult centers.
Representatives of Active Day will be meeting with adult center staff on March 3 to introduce themselves and begin the transition process. Over the coming weeks, our human resources team will be working with Active Day and adult center staff to ensure a smooth transition for everyone who chooses to stay employed at the centers.
We have a longstanding tradition of caring at this agency that will continue as we work toward our mission to promote and support opportunities for people with developmental disabilities to live, work, learn, and fully participate in their communities.
