Lutheran Social Services has received its third and largest award from the state's HEAL NY grant.
The announcement came Wednesday, and LSS President Tom Holt said the facility has been abuzz from the good news. At the end of the week, Holt and LSS administrators were joined by supporters of the effort to celebrate the unprecedented financial boost of $11.7 million.
"This grant will be used to further our vision statement," said Dean Weaver, LSS board chairman, of "working toward a future where people have choices and can access appropriate cost-effective in an environment that enhances their quality of life."
In the 20th round for HEAL NY, there were more than 80 applicants asking for a total of $1 billion, said Weaver. "LSS' request was fully funded and one of only nine recipient of the grant funds. Our highly dedicated and professional staff deserves all the credit for developing this vision of a fully integrated continuum of care into reality."
RIGHT CARE, RIGHT COST
Said Holt: "We're providing more care, but we're providing the right level of care at the right place and at the right cost."
The money will enable the construction of a 14-unit independent living apartment complex. He said the new project will allow LSS to offer a complete array of living from total independence to compassionate end of life care. Recognizing the county's dilemma of nursing home "overbedding," Holt said the previous HEAL grant have been used to reduce the numbers of older beds at its nursing home facility.
The new HEAL grant will also convert semi-private rooms at the nursing facility to private rooms, with private baths included. Previously, LSS has won $583,000 during the HEAL second round and $10.2 million in the 12th, for a current total of $23 million.
"The state Legislature has authorized these HEAL grants because they improve the quality of life for our seniors," said state Sen. Cathy Young, speaking at the celebration. "They also are the most cost effective delivery of service models we have in the state. This is not (LSS') third award by accident or chance. It's because of the great job that your do, and the professionalism you have."
County Executive Greg Edwards remarked LSS is an example of state dollars being wisely invested in "winning" entities.
"What better investment could we have, than high-tech, health care opportunities to improve the services that people need, but also the jobs that come along with it," he said.
