Hi All,

It is the time that all of us join in and provide the type of information and participation needed for OPRA to advocate for and increase of funding for DSP wages.  We all know our workforce issues and we need to hit these points home with the Department and targeted legislators while the details are of the Governor’s proposed budget are being negotiated.  If not you, If not us, then who?  Let’s hit this home!  NOW is the time.

Please read the info below and send the requested info to Minyet Hua (contact information below).  She is waiting for you!

Thanks

Jamie Steele, MSW
Executive Director, OVRS
OPRA Board Member, District 1

March 4, 2015

OPRA Advocacy-Supporting Additional Funding for DSP Wage Increase

Ohio’s DSP Workforce Crisis-How you can Help!!
Ohio’s developmental disability private provider system faces a workforce crisis. Individuals directly responsible for providing supports to Ohio’s most vulnerable citizens receive average salaries that place them below the federal poverty levels.
How can you help?
Please identify from your organization at least one:
-Direct Support Professional that would be willing to contact targeted legislators in support of rate increases;
-An individual served who would like to speak up on this issue and contact targeted legislators;
-A family member, friend or guardian interested and supportive of the issue and would be willing to contact targeted legislators in support.
Once you have identified those who would be interested in advocating please contact Minyet Hua –Senior Project Manager at Strategic Public Partners at 614 264-4633 or by e-mail at minyet@sppgrp.com<mailto:minyet@sppgrp.com>
Minyet will walk through you through messaging, options for contacting and next steps.

The time is now. Let’s work together and make a difference!!