Residents urge action as DPH outlines program transfers from PRC BakerPlaces

Several residents and clients addressed the Health Commission on Nov. 15 with concerns about PRC BakerPlaces' financial stability and the future of services they depend on. Carrington Osborne said she had lost trust in PRC after reporting of mismanagement tied to a prior deficit and asked the commission to press the contractor for quicker decisions and stronger protections for residents. Enrico Gallegos, a BakerPlaces client, described four years of housing stability and sobriety thanks to the program and urged officials to preserve services.

In a director's report, Dr. Grama Colfax said PRC and BakerPlaces leadership agreed to prioritize transfer of four programs — Joe Healy withdrawal management, Acceptance Place, Ferguson's Place, and an assisted independent living program — and that DPH has worked with PRC BakerPlaces to identify other providers. Colfax said Joe Healy detox officially transferred to HRS360 on Nov. 14 and that the department presented a financial plan to PRC on Nov. 3 to fund transitions through June 2023. Colfax said DPH’s goal is to preserve stability and continuity of services for existing clients and to plan for property and real-estate transitions.

Commissioners did not take formal action on contracts during the meeting; staff said they will continue to coordinate transitions and find providers to maintain services for affected clients.