West Virginia Behavioral Healthcare Providers Assoc.
West Virginia Behavioral Healthcare Providers Assoc.
Legislative Short - IDD Waiver Rate Increase
Legislative Short - IDD Waiver Rate Increase
Legislative Short - IDD Waiver Rate Increase
Thursday 2nd February 2023
Mark Drennan discusses the urgent need for fair wages for West Virginia's IDD workforce in 'The Association Spotlight Series'.
8 minutes
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West Virginia Behavioral Healthcare Providers Assoc.
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Get the buttons here!The Fight for Fair Wages: Supporting West Virginia's IDD Workforce
Our industry is about serving folks in the community. But that requires a staff member, a person, to be with them. And, as you know, a lot of times these facilities and these group homes are three beds. So they may have three individuals living together. And if you lose a staff, then let's say, you've got three staff that work in that home, but one staff is not there and you have two people that need to go one place and one person that needs to go another place. Yeah, and you end up with individuals not be able to go anywhere, yeah, and so then they're left stuck in that home, and, and that's not good for their mental health, not good for our mental health.
Imagine working tirelessly to care for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) without a significant pay rise in over a decade. In this episode of 'The Association Spotlight Series', host Lake Morehouse sits down with Mark Drennan, CEO of the West Virginia Behavioral Healthcare Providers Association, to address this pressing issue. Drennan sheds light on the urgent need for a permanent wage increase for the IDD workforce in West Virginia.
He reveals that inflation has surged by 31% since 2011, yet the wages for these essential workers have remained stagnant. This discrepancy is not just a financial concern but also a barrier to providing the highest quality of care to those who need it most. Drennan points out that the current rate stands at a mere five cents per minute, far from sufficient to attract and retain dedicated direct care workers.
The conversation delves into the broader implications of this wage crisis, including how it affects the mental health and overall well-being of individuals with IDD. When there aren't enough direct care workers, many individuals with IDD are left isolated in their homes, missing out on essential social interactions and support. Through this episode, Drennan and Morehouse advocate for a fair wage that reflects the hard work and commitment of the IDD workforce.
They argue that a permanent rate increase is not just about better pay but about ensuring a compassionate and competent workforce that can truly support West Virginia's IDD community. If you're interested in understanding the challenges faced by the IDD workforce and the crucial need for fair compensation, this episode is a must-listen.