AFT Healthcare-Maryland Meets with Delegate in Cumberland

AFT Healthcare-Maryland continues to engage state legislators to ensure safety for those working in state run healthcare facilities. We have brought elected officials from both chambers of the state legislature to worksites to talk with members who are on the front lines, engaging residents with various medical and psychiatric needs. Recently the union brought members together with Delegate Mike McKay and representatives from Congressman David Trone’s office about concerns of safety and staffing at the Howard B. Finan Center in Cumberland, Maryland.

In the meeting with Delegate McKay and Trone staffers, workers at the Finan Center described the changing demographics of the population. One worker said when they first started some 30 years ago, the patient population was around 60% forensic. That same worker estimates today’s patient population is about 98% forensic. This designation is noteworthy because the only recognized state forensic facility is Clifton T. Perkins in Jessup, MD.

Members at the location shared the various challenges they face around the lack of security support. As is, there is only one security officer for all four units of cottages (housing residences) on the night shift. Del. McKay said he would try to work with administration at Finan Center to bring in more security personnel, increase staff as well as open more cottages for residences.

2019-11-19