Public Expresses Concerns About Hardin Hills Closing

A public hearing concerning the closure of Hardin Hills Health Center was held Tuesday morning.

The Hardin County Commissioners held the meeting to hear public comments and concerns regarding the closure of the facility.

A total of 13 people from the public addressed the commissioners at the hearing.

Most expressed their appreciation for the level of care their family members receive at Hardin Hills.

Many of the speakers also questioned the commissioners about when the decision to close was made and why the public wasn’t involved in the decision making process.

They chided the commissioners for holding too many executive sessions and expressed concerns about the lack of transparency.

Some of the speakers pleaded with the commissioners to give them six months to find ways to save Hardin Hills.

They noted that could be done by exploring grants or perhaps a levy.

A member from the state ombudsman program, which advocates for the rights of home care consumers and residents of long-term care facilities, urged the commissioners to consider all of the comments made at the hearing and listen to the possible solutions and opportunities to keep the folks at Hardin Hills.

Commissioner Roger Crowe stated that all three commissioners took notes and will issue a public statement in the near future.

The commissioners announced earlier this month that Hardin Hills would be closing, and the final day will be no later than July 10.