On March 7, 2018 the York County Commissioners held the second of three town hall meetings to discuss the proposed sale of the Pleasant Acres Nursing Home. Opening comments centered on the fiscal state of affairs at the home; how the Commissioners had to continually use taxpayer money to finance the home. Next it was stated that there have been 18 for-profit entities that have expressed an interest in buying the home.

Let’s step back for a moment: Any business is operating for one purpose: to make money! Despite any warm feel good slogans or catchwords used to make you feel they are part of you or care for you, the bottom line is Profit-make money. The County Commissioners state that the nursing home continually loses money. Then why would numerous for profit companies want to buy it? The companies will not buy a loser; they want to make money. The nursing home is funded by fixed amounts of federal and state dollars; a for-profit company can’t make a profit by going to these agencies and getting more money. So how do they increase the bottom line? They can’t get more money in- lets cut the money out. Reduce the nursing staff, reduce the support staff, reduce the maintenance staff, reduce the amount spent on upgrades to the facility and equipment, and reduce the level of care the residents receive. Next up would be to reduce wages and benefits to the employees they are already overworking by being under staffed. Once the wages and benefits go so do the long time dedicated employees who have been providing care to your loved ones, replaced by who knows what.

During the public comment portion of the meeting a steady stream of county residents marched to the podium to voice their concern over the proposed sale. A group of residents from Pleasant Acres were on hand to let the commissioners know they do not support the sale of their nursing home.

A website has been established to help save Pleasant Acres from privatization. Please visit the site by following this link: Save Pleasant Acres. Take a moment to sign the online petition to save Pleasant Acres. Let the commissioners know you reside in York County. If the commissioners ignore the voice of the people about the closing they can be reminded how they didn’t listen to the people at election time by being voted out of office! Every employee of Pleasant Acres should sign the petition. Everybody who has ever had a loved one cared for at Pleasant Acres should sign the petition. Every County Resident who themselves may someday need the care provided by Pleasant Acres should sign the petition. The last of the three meetings will be held March 27, at 6 pm at the Central York High School. We hope to see you all there.

The speakers had everyone's attention

One by one York County residents spoke to save the Nursing Home

The line to speak continues to grow

Residents of the nursing home were on hand to tell the commissioners "Not to Sell" our home!

Teamsters members working at Pleasant Acres ARE the spirit of America!

Visit the website, Sign the petition, Let your voice be heard!

Save Pleasant Acres.