Western Md. Center For Mentally Disabled Closing
CUMBERLAND, Md. (AP) -- A state-run center for intellectually disabled adults in Cumberland is closing after 33 years of
operation.
Thursday is the final day for the Joseph D. Brandenburg Center.
The administration of Democratic Gov. Martin O'Malley announced the closure in January as part of nearly $1 billion in budget cuts. The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene says the need for such institutions has declined as home services for the mentally disabled have increased.
The state operates two other such institutions -- the Potomac Center in Hagerstown and the Holly Center on the Eastern Shore.
The Cumberland Times-News reports that 10 of the Brandenburg Center's 18 staff members have found other jobs.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
