Henderson Libraries proposes 2-cent tax rate increase to counteract 30 percent budget decrease, keep libraries from closing

Currently, Henderson has a lower tax rate than any other Clark County library district; district hasn’t had tax increase since 1991

HENDERSON, Nev. – To help offset the severe loss in revenue the district has endured, Henderson Libraries is proposing an ad valorem tax rate increase of 2 cents per $100 in assessed property value.

The decline in assessed property value and the related tax revenues have resulted in a 30 percent loss of revenue for the library district over the past several years. Cuts have been made everywhere possible – staff, hours, programs and materials have all been reduced – to keep the district going despite the huge revenue loss, but the district cannot continue to operate all branches and services.

Currently, the library receives 5.75 cents per $100 in assessed property value. With the increase, the library would receive 7.75 cents per $100 in assessed property value. The last time the library received a tax rate increase was in 1991 when Henderson had less than 65,000 residents. Today Henderson has more than 265,000 residents.

If the increase passes when voted on in November, the money will go toward necessary operating expenses (such as utilities, office supplies, building maintenance, etc.) and the purchase of library materials for public use. It will not be used to increase salaries, benefits or personnel expenses.

If the initiative does not pass, the Galleria Library and the Malcolm Library will close and jobs associated with those libraries will be eliminated. Fewer library materials will be purchased for the remaining libraries, causing longer wait times for popular titles. Library hours will likely be reduced further, and some services may be discontinued entirely.

Currently, the Henderson library district receives far less than other Clark County library districts, with Henderson Libraries at 5.75 cents; North Las Vegas Library at 6.32 cents; Boulder City Library at 8.55 cents; and Las Vegas Clark Co. Library District at 9.42 cents per $100 in assessed property value.

In local revenue dollars, Henderson Libraries receives an average of $24.38 per person, far less than the national average of $32.83 per person, or even the Nevada statewide average of $29.28. 

Established in 1943 as a single library in Downtown Henderson, Henderson Libraries operates six locations throughout Henderson. Henderson Libraries cooperates with other public libraries in Southern Nevada, the Nevada System of Higher Education, the Clark County School District and all other libraries around the state to provide quality service forNevada’s residents.

For additional information on Henderson Libraries and its many services and resources, visit www.mypubliclibrary.com or call 702-492-6581.

Local Members of Huntington’s Disease Society of America to meet and lobby Congress to pass Huntington’s Disease Parity Act

April 20 meeting will allow advocates to press Congressional representatives to sign on as sponsors of bill that would add those affected by the devastating disease

LAS VEGAS – On Friday, April 20, 25 local members of the Huntington’s Disease Society of America’s Las Vegas affiliate will convene to discuss and participate in training on how to advocate for the Huntington’s Disease Parity Act of 2011 (H.R. 718, S. 648), a bill in congress that is meant to improve access to Social Security Disability benefits and Medicare coverage for individuals with Huntington’s disease (HD).

Upon completion of the training, the advocates will meet with representatives from the offices of Sen. Dean Heller, Sen. Harry Reid, Congressman Joe Heck and Congresswoman Shelley Berkley, with the intent of convincing them to co-sponsor the Huntington’s Disease Parity Act.

HDSA advocates are determined to encourage Congress to dismantle the two-year waiting period between the acceptance of a disability claim and the ability to receive Medicare coverage for those with Huntington’s disease. Currently, patients are losing valuable medical coverage, and for some, their lives, as they wait for Medicare benefits to be made available.

Approximately 8,200 individuals and family members in Nevada are impacted by Huntington’s disease, having either been diagnosed themselves or having an immediate family member who has been diagnosed or is at risk for the disease

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a devastating, hereditary, degenerative brain disorder that results in a loss of cognitive, behavioral and physical control, and for which, presently, there is no cure and only one FDA-approved treatment for a symptom of HD.

Training for advocates will take place from 8-11:30 a.m. at the Red Rock Hotel & Casino. From 1-3 p.m. participating advocates will meet with congressional representatives at the Historic 5th Street School – located at 401 S. Fourth St.

The recently chartered Las Vegas Affiliate of HDSA will host other events to help build awareness of Huntington’s disease in the area. On Saturday, May 12, they will host the second annual Team Hope Walk for HD at Town Square – located at 6605 Las Vegas Blvd. South, near Sunset Road. Registration begins at 9 a.m. and the walk starts at 10 a.m. Although registration is free, those who raise $25 or more will receive a Team Hope Walk T-shirt. Other activities include live music, games, face painting, booths with items for sale and a silent auction, which includes a signed guitar by music group Foster the People.

Additional information can be found at www.firstgiving.com/hdsa-scr/hdsa-las-vegas-team-hope-walk.

Later this summer, the National Huntington’s Disease Society of America will host its 27th Annual National Convention June 8-10 at the Red Rock Resort in Summerlin.

Currently, Huntington’s disease is a main focus of the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, illustrating the importance of the disease in the Las Vegas community.

The Huntington’s Disease Society of America is the largest 501(c)(3) non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to improving the lives of everyone affected by Huntington’s disease. Founded in 1968 by Marjorie Guthrie, wife of folk legend Woody Guthrie who lost his battle with HD, the Society works tirelessly to provide the family services, education, advocacy and research to provide help for today, hope for tomorrow to the more than 30,000 people diagnosed with HD and the 250,000 at-risk in the United States.  

Notably, HDSA founded the HDSA Coalition for the Cure, a collaboration of 16 international researchers, as part of the HD Drug Research Pipeline, and supports research which develops potential therapies to treat and eventually cure HD; HDSA also supports 21 Centers of Excellence at major medical facilities throughout the United States, where people with HD and their families receive comprehensive medical, psychological and social services, in addition to physical and occupational therapy and genetic testing and counseling. The Society is comprised of 46 local chapters and affiliates across the country with its headquarters in New York City. Additionally, HDSA hosts more than 160 support groups for people with HD, their families, caregivers and people at-risk, and is the premiere resource on Huntington’s disease for medical professionals and the general public.  

To learn more about Huntington’s disease and to get involved in HDSA, please visit www.hdsa.org or call 1-800-345-HDSA.

Gov. Sandoval proclaims November Lung Cancer Awareness Month

In Nevada in 2011, approximately 1,510 people have been or will be diagnosed with lung cancer; lung cancer the leading cause of cancer death

CARSON CITY, Nev. – In Nevada in 2011, approximately 1,510 people have been or will be diagnosed with lung cancer, and it is estimated that 1,290 will die from the disease.

Because of this, Gov. Brian Sandoval has named November 2011 Lung Cancer Awareness Month. The proclamation came thanks to the diligent efforts of the Nevada Tobacco Prevention Coalition to raise awareness of lung cancer and its effects.

The coalition includes organizations such as American Lung Association in Nevada; Nevada State Medical Association; American Heart Association; American Cancer Society/Cancer Action Network. The Nevada Radiologic Society and Nevada Oncology Society have worked closely with the coalition on its efforts as well.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for both men and women, according to the American Cancer Society. Within every ethnic population, in Nevada, the United States and the world, lung cancer kills more Americans than breast, prostate, colon, liver and kidney cancers combined.

In the United States in 2011, an estimated 221,130 people (115,060 men and 106,070 women) have been or will be diagnosed with lung cancer, and an estimated 156,940 people (85,600 men and 71,340 women) will die from lung cancer, accounting for about 27 percent of all cancer deaths.

For people diagnosed with any stage of lung cancer, the five-year survival rate is only 16 percent. For the 56 percent of people who are diagnosed with advanced stage lung cancer, the five-year survival rate is less than 4 percent.

Smoking is the No. 1 cause of lung cancer, contributing to 80 percent and 90 percent of lung cancer deaths in women and men, respectively. Other causes of lung cancer include exposure to cancer-causing substances or carcinogens, such as asbestos, radon, uranium, arsenic and certain petroleum products.

The proclamation cites increased awareness and coordination among all stakeholders, including federal and state governments, public health authorities and health care providers, medical researchers, civic leaders and organizations, businesses and the general public, as critical to promoting access to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of lung cancer.

The mission of the Nevada Tobacco Prevention Coalition is to bring together a diverse group of community leaders to promote healthy lifestyles for all Nevadans, by empowering the state, its communities and its citizens to significantly reduce negative impacts of tobacco use among youth and adults in Nevada.

The members of the Nevada Tobacco Prevention Coalition believe that reduction in the use of tobacco will create healthier lifestyles, longer lives, and a healthier environment for the people of Nevada.

For more information on the Nevada Tobacco Prevention Coalition, visit www.tobaccofreenv.com.

St. Luke’s Humphreys Diabetes Center raises awareness of diabetic peripheral neuropathy; at least 8 percent of Idahoans have diabetes

DPN is the leading reason for leg amputation

BOISE, Idaho – To raise awareness of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN), Gov. Butch Otter has signed a proclamation naming Nov. 1, 2011, Diabetes Awareness Day in Idaho.

DPN is a serious condition that damages nerve fibers as a result of disease of the small arterial blood vessels and is often attributed to prolonged exposure to high amounts of glucose in the bloodstream.

The leading reason for leg amputation, DPN is life-threatening and debilitating. It causes a wide variety of potentially disabling symptoms, including intense pain described as aching, tingling, burning and numbness with loss of protective sensation to the feet.

“We are grateful Governor Otter has signed this proclamation to help raise awareness about diabetes in Idaho and the complications that can arise from the disease,” said Lisa Gonser, director of marketing & community relations for St. Luke’s Humphreys Diabetes Center. “Hopefully we can help individuals living with diabetes prevent these complications and prevent a lower limb amputation.” 

Eight percent of Idahoans have been diagnosed with diabetes; it is important they are aware of the dangers and warning signs of DPN.

St. Luke’s Humphreys Diabetes Center, Idaho’s diabetes center of excellence, provides education in diabetes self-management and prevention to people with or at-risk for diabetes, their families and health care professionals.

“Our entire goal at the Diabetes Center is to teach our patients about how to manage their diabetes to help prevent complications such as DPN. It can be a very traumatic condition – both physically and emotionally,” said Judy Davis, RN, FAADE, CDE, program director for St. Luke’s Humphreys Diabetes Center.

Trusted by over 600 Treasure Valley referring physicians, the Center provides services to more than 5,000 clients each year. Working with the organization’s experienced Certified Diabetes Educators, clients learn how to manage diet, exercise and medication to stay healthy and prevent complications such as heart attacks, strokes, blindness, kidney failure, and amputations. St. Luke’s Humphreys Diabetes Center programs are recognized by the American Diabetes Association.

St. Luke’s Humphreys Diabetes Center also participates in national research trials for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. A community program of St. Luke’s Health System, St. Luke’s Humphreys Diabetes Center is one of the largest free-standing diabetes centers in the United States.

For more information on St. Luke’s Humphreys Diabetes Center, visit http://hdiabetescenter.com/ or call 208-331-1155 for their Boise location, 208-884-4220 for their Meridian location or 208-884-4220 for their Nampa location.

Colors of Lupus urges Congress to protect Medicare, Medicaid

Prevention allows those with lupus to halt the disease’s progression; if Medicare/Medicaid coverage lost, many with lupus would get irreversibly worse

LAS VEGAS – Colors of Lupus, a Nevada-based 501(c)(3) organization, today urged Congress to protect the country’s most vulnerable citizens by rejecting cuts to Medicare and Medicaid.

The U.S. Congress Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction, also known as the “Supercommittee,” was created by the Budget Control Act of 2011 and is tasked with recommending $1.2 trillion in deficit cuts by Nov. 23. Health care programs such as Medicare and Medicaid are likely targets for cuts, which would be devastating for American’s most vulnerable citizens, such as those with lupus.

“With lupus, there is no cure, so early diagnosis is critical,” said Hui-Lim Ang, executive director for Colors of Lupus. “If you diagnose it early, you can take preventative measures, and it will not progress. But to get to that point, there’s test after test after test. Without coverage, people can’t afford these tests, and, as a result, their disease will go undiagnosed, untreated and become more and more debilitating. This cannot be allowed to happen. Every life is important.”

The first of its kind in Southern Nevada, Colors of Lupus Nevada seeks to dispense, deliver and provide immediate physical services and support for those affected with lupus.

In Nevada alone, there are 13,500 people diagnosed with lupus. Lupus is an auto-immune disease that attacks the soft tissue of the body – including everything from major organs such as hearts, kidneys, to the eyes, to the brain, to blood cells, and there’s no telling when or where it will attack next.

Known as a “silent disease” or “a disease with 1,000 faces,” lupus already doesn’t receive the attention or urgency it deserves, Ang said.

“People suffering from lupus look normal, but they’re being killed inside,” she said. “They take two, three hours to get ready in the morning just to look and feel ‘normal.’”

Cuts to Medicare and Medicaid would be devastating, as they provide patients with the preventative care that keeps more serious, and costly, conditions at bay.

Medicare Part D, for example, reduces federal spending by $12 billion by covering medications that are currently keeping seniors out of the emergency room. Medicare Part D gives more than 29 million Americans access to prescription drugs at prices they can afford. Before the creation of Medicare Part D in 2006, many treatments were too expensive for as much as a third of the elderly population. Without Medicare Part D, many seniors would have forego such medications, in which case it’s only a matter of time before they end up in the hospital, driving costs up for taxpayers.

Harry Reid, D-Nev., has done much on behalf of Nevadans to protect Medicare Part D.

“Those of us advocating on behalf of those victimized by this silent killer, lupus, and other debilitating autoimmune diseases, thank Senator Reid for his efforts to protect our vital access to treatment and for the medicines critical to sustaining quality lives and saving lives of those most vulnerable,” Ang said. “Without access or means for affordable treatments as provided by Medicare Part D, there is no hope, and without hope those afflicted and suffering from grossly debilitating diseases such as lupus are, and will continue, to be cast aside, alone, defeated and scared.”

In the case of lupus, this kind of preventative care keeps the disease from irreversibly taking a turn for the worse. Because lupus is relatively unknown and not understood, Colors of Lupus constantly loses out to more well-known health issues such as cancer and autism when applying for grant money. The organization would not be able to fund all patients’ tests and medications if they lost their Medicare and Medicaid coverage.

“While research is being conducted to find the cause and cure, lupus patients are left alone to deal with all the financial and social predicaments that haunt them. We catch the people who literally fall through the cracks of the system by providing support and services that are crucial to get them back on their feet,” Ang said. “But we just don’t have the funding to offset the debilitating loss that Medicare and Medicaid cuts would cause.”

An all-volunteer-run organization, Colors of Lupus Nevada is the first of its kind in Nevada. Established in 2007, its mission is to reclaim the lost quality of life stolen by the lupus disease by providing an establishment staffed with a permanent, compassionate and knowledgeable workforce to ensure continuous and sustainable support for those diagnosed, or soon to be diagnosed, with lupus. 

For more information on Colors of Lupus, visit www.colorsoflupusnevada.org or call 702-608-COLN (2656).

200 new computers ready for use at Henderson Libraries

Computers allow district to increase its public computing abilities by 20 percent

HENDERSON, Nev. – Last August, Henderson Libraries was awarded a $180,589 grant from the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) to help the district purchase 200 computers, which will be dispersed throughout Henderson Libraries’ six libraries.

The computers’ arrival is excellent timing, as free computer use is in demand in Clark County as layoffs continue and Nevada’s unemployment rate hovers at around 12.9 percent.

“Today, almost everything is done electronically,” said Gayle Hornaday, assistant director for Henderson Libraries. “Having access to a computer is critical – especially if you’re looking for a job. With the addition of these computers, we’ll be able to better serve the community.”

Despite the district’s reduced hours of operation and staff hours, incurred as a result of budget cuts, the 200 computers will increase public computing at Henderson Libraries by 20 percent, providing increased access to computers and computer classes.

The branches also received low vision assistance software and keyboards, which is now available at the Malcolm, GreenValley, Paseo Verde and Gibson locations. The remainder of the overall grant was awarded to the Cooperative Libraries Automated Network in Northern Nevada, the Nevada State Library and Archives and the Carson City Library.

Established in 1943 as a single library in Downtown Henderson, Henderson Libraries operates six locations throughout Henderson. Henderson Libraries cooperates with other public libraries in Southern Nevada, the Nevada System of Higher Education, the Clark County School District and all other libraries around the state to provide quality service for Nevada’s residents.

For additional information on Henderson Libraries, visit www.mypubliclibrary.com or call 702-492-6581.

Commercial Mitigation Group founder discusses ramifications of America’s downgrade from AAA to AA+

Hayon warns that making it more difficult for people to obtain commercial real estate is bad for business, bad for economy; second recession a possibility

LAS VEGAS – While most know that S+P downgraded the United States from AAA to AA+ late Aug. 5. But what most don’t know is what that really means.

According to Avi Hayon, senior financial analyst for the Commercial Mitigation Group, it means commercial real estate loans will be harder to come by and will be offered at a higher interest rate, making it harder for businesses trying to expand and harder for those who are unemployed or underemployed.

“If people aren’t able to obtain a commercial real estate loan in an effort to expand their current business, or start a new business, it’s going to be even harder for America to lower its unemployment rate,” Hayon said. “Additionally, companies won’t hire in a climate where fear is the dominant emotion.”

Hayon also says the country should expect to see more companies not being able to keep up with their existing commercial real estate loans.

“Unfortunately, business closures go hand-in-hand with a non-performing real estate market,” Hayon said. “We’re going to see things get worse before they get better. On the plus side, we should also begin to see more favorable resolutions as we mitigate our clients’ commercial loans. At this point, the banks can’t afford not to work with borrowers. Banks have to play ball or they’ll be in trouble themselves.”

Hayon also warns that, with money tight and the decreasing value of a dollar, a second recession is possible.

“With so much uncertainty out there, people aren’t as willing to take risks and invest,” Hayon said. “Unfortunately, what’s good for the country isn’t always the same as what’s good for individuals. For our country to recover, we’ll have to get to a point where people are spending again.”

For the country to restore its AAA rating, Hayon says it’s going to have to stop bailing companies out.

“We bailed companies out and demonstrated an inability to control the debt and reach a consensus in Washington,” Hayon said. “S+P had no choice but to reduce our credit. In essence, they were sending a message to the powers at be that they need to start behaving like adults.”

CMG was established in 2007 and has a 98 percent success rate. Prior to beginning work with a client, CMG performs a free no-commitment analysis of potential clients before taking them on. If they don’t think they can help someone, CMG doesn’t bring them on as a client. Commercial Mitigation Group’s fee is a flat 1 percent of the outstanding debt the company is mitigating for the client. The fee is paid in increments as each step of the process is completed. 

For more information on Commercial Mitigation Group, call 213-309-5415 or visit www.commercialmitigationgroup.com.

U.S. House of Representatives candidates Marshall, Amodei to speak at luncheon Aug. 2

Nevada Subcontractors Association known for bringing political candidates from both sides together, last year hosted first joint public appearance of Reid, Sandoval

Nevada State Treasurer Kate Marshall and former State Sen. Mark Amodei will each deliver a keynote address at the Nevada Subcontractors Association’s annual meeting Tuesday, Aug. 2, at the Eastside Cannery Hotel — located at 5255 Boulder Highway. Doors will open at 11:15 a.m., lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. and the program will begin at noon.

Amodei and Marshall will speak directly with NSA members and their construction industry partners about Nevada’s staggering unemployment statistics, current economic crisis, and what each offers as their national platform for progress and recovery.

Marshall and Amodei are vying for the U.S. House of Representatives seat vacated when Gov. Brian Sandoval appointed Congressman Dean Heller to replace John Ensign in the U.S. Senate. Nevada will conduct its first special election to fill the vacant seat in District 2 on Sept. 13.

Two hundred guests, including elected officials, NSA members and representatives from other local trade associations are expected to attend.

The Nevada Subcontractors Association, a nonpartisan organization, was established in 1999 to promote, enhance and protect subcontractors’ rights in Nevada. More on NSA can be found at www.nevadasubcontractors.com.

Henderson’s Economic Development Division brings success to city

Relocated companies happy with result, services offered by City of Henderson

HENDERSON, Nev. – Relocating to a new city can be a frightening experience for business owners, their employees and their families. A new city has new rules, new neighborhoods and new schools, which are all difficult to navigate without a guide well-versed in everything from building codes to spousal employment help. The City of Henderson’s Economic Development Division is that guide. It not only brings new businesses to Henderson, but it stays with them while they relocate and start to create a successful business.

“We’ve found it’s very important to provide businesses relocating to Hendersonwith the added guidance. A successful business will make business owners happy, and happy employees will contribute to making that happen,” said Bob Cooper, Economic Development/Redevelopment manager for the City of Henderson. “After they’re settled, we continue to serve as a support system for them. Our ultimate goal is for businesses to be happy they relocated to Henderson.”

LumaMedia International, PCCA and ReadyLIFT Suspension, Inc are three businesses that have moved to Henderson within the last year, and each utilized the Economic Development Division’s resources differently.

Scott Poncher, CEO of ReadyLIFT, moved his company from Southern California because of operating costs, taxes and the lack of support he said he received from local government. As a manufacturer of leveling kits for pickup trucks and SUVs, ReadyLIFT improved shipment times to California and the East Coast but lost the close vicinity to the ports of Californiain the move. It’s a small price to pay for the benefits, Poncher said.

“If you have a problem, you get [Henderson’s Economic Development Division] on the phone, and they talk to you,” he added. The company relocated 50 percent of the employees and hired the other 50 percent locally. “InCalifornia, they never picked up the phone. When [the City of Henderson] found out we were moving here, they extended the olive branch. They were eager to help any way they could.”

PCCA (Professional Compounding Centers of America) moved its warehousing, supplies and shipping to Henderson in February. The company provides supplies, chemicals and equipment to independent pharmacists who design medications for people and animals based on their needs and doctor’s prescription. The company services approximately 3,500 members nationwide.

Before the move, company executives traveled around Henderson with members from the Henderson Economic Development Division to find real estate to suit the company’s needs. A shipping hub and weather in the community helped seal the deal.

PCCA is headquartered in Houston, where hurricanes and weather can be a hindrance. In Southern Nevada, the weather wasn’t a problem.

“Jeff Leake (economic development officer) was helpful about the area and helped us communicate with the tenants. He was helpful in integrating us into the community as well,” said Fabian Zaccardo, chief operating officer of PCCA. “The city fit well. It was the perfect setting for us.”

“The goal was to improve the level of service to members and when you improve your services, you maintain and increase sales,” added Ari Pailakian, PCCA’s vice president of sales. “Of all the cities we looked at, Henderson was the best fit for us.”

LumaMedia International is a home-grown company that moved to Henderson fromLas Vegas to expand the business. The LumaMedia product is a form of inorganic electro-luminescence, which allows patrons to selectively light any design imaginable for any surface. Billed as the most efficient light source in the world, LumaMedia is used to light up everything from business-card size advertisements to large car wraps and tradeshow exhibits. The company’s facility also provides training for product dealers from around the world.

“We’re teaching everyone around the world how to do it. The main thing was to bring more businesses toHendersonand keep people focused on our product and not that they’re in Vegas,” said owner David Lennon. “The city itself is easy to work with. They provided us with a lot of resources.”

The City’s Economic Development Division is available to work closely and confidentially with businesses considering relocation or expansion projects and provides services free of charge.  Their role is to serve as a key member of the team and assist in a variety of ways. Assistance may include introductions to employment and training providers, community leaders and business contacts, identifying potential incentive programs, site/community tours, providing economic or demographic information, confidential real estate searches and facilitating meetings with regulatory agencies.

For additional information on the City of Henderson Economic Development/Redevelopmentdivision call 702-267-1650 or visit www.cityofhenderson.com/economic_development/index.php.

$274 million forecasted for state budget; Nevada Health Care Association encourages legislators to consider state’s most fragile citizens

Organization to rally at Nevada Legislative building May 17 to raise awareness of effects cuts to Medicaid would have on all Nevadans 

LAS VEGAS – Nevada finally received some good news Monday in regards to the state budget when a previously unaccounted for $274 million was forecasted. The money will go toward education and health and human services budgets. 

Nevada Health Care Association, which represents Nevada’s long-term care industry, is encouraging legislators to consider Nevada’s most fragile citizens when determining how the forecasted funds will “save” services from being lost due to budget cuts. Currently, hefty cuts to the state’s Medicaid reimbursements are proposed to help balance the state budget; such cuts would be devastating to the state’s long-term care industry. 

A nonprofit organization, NVHCA, with President and Chief Legislative Liaison Charles Perry at the helm, has been working tirelessly to educate Nevada’s legislators on the effects such cuts would have. Perry understands that Nevada is facing a large deficit, and his point isn’t that the long-term care profession needs the money more than anyone else. But, he says, Nevadans are going to have a big problem on their hands if cuts to Medicaid are approved. 

“There are more than 6,000 residents using services provided by skilled nursing facilities in Nevada,” Perry said. “Nevada Medicaid currently places, and pays for the care of, a substantial number of Nevada residents in out-of-state skilled nursing facilities.  Cuts of this magnitude could lead to increased reliance on out-of-state placement of Nevada citizens.”

Elizabeth Millett is one of those 6,000 residents. At age 55, she is currently a resident of Hearthstone of Northern Nevada, where she’s been for several months as a result of complications brought on by knee replacement surgery.

“It would be devastating to me (if the cuts to Medicaid were approved),” Millett said. “All I have is Medicaid. I can’t afford health insurance.” 

Marie Dahl, 66, of Southern Nevada also doesn’t know what her family would do if the cuts to Medicaid were approved. Dahl’s son, Scotty, has required total skilled nursing care since he was 5 years old. At 37, that means Scotty has been in a skilled nursing facility for 32 years. Scotty is severely handicapped. He can’t walk, talk or feed himself and he certainly can’t live alone or with his mother. 

“There’s no way I could take care of him at home,” Dahl said. “I can’t physically handle him, and I can’t afford to bring someone in to help me.” 

Nevada Medicaid already places, and pays for care, for a substantial number of its Medicaid recipients. According to Nevada Health Care Association’s estimations, severe cuts to care could take place due to financial constraints as these facilities as many rely heavily on Medicaid reimbursements for the services they provide to patients. Nevada is already under-bedded and will find itself even more so if facilities are strained even more so.

Furthermore, long-term care facilities are now increasingly being forced to only admit those who can show they have a pre-approved payment source due to lack, or already decreased, reimbursement rates received for the services these long term care professions provide to residents. With limited long-term care facilities available – or available to those who don’t have a pre-approved pay source – many patients may find themselves with hospital care as their primary care option, which will back up already very busy hospital waiting rooms even more than they already are. Because of this, the Nevada Hospital Association has teamed up with Nevada Health Care Association to educate Nevada’s legislators – as well as the public – about how these proposed cuts would play out. 

To raise awareness about the cuts to Medicaid that are proposed as part of the plan to balance the state budget, NVHCA will lead a Take Action Now rally Tuesday, May 17. The rally will take place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the lawn of the Nevada Legislative building – located in Carson City at 401 S. Carson Street. NVHCA is encouraging all of Nevada’s skilled nursing and long-term care facility employees – as well as the public – to take part in the rally. 

The nonprofit organization’s Take Action Now Campaign encourages all Nevadans to contact their legislators in opposition of the proposed cuts, which would be crippling to the state’s skilled nursing and long-term care facilities. The Nevada Health Care Association is a non-profit organization of long term care facilities and associate members, together representing nearly 50 non-profit and for-profit assisted living, nursing facility, and sub-acute care providers that care for over 6,000 elderly and disabled individuals statewide and employ more than 8,000 Nevadans. 

For more information regarding Nevada Health Care Association, call 800-307-0942 or visit www.nvhca.org.