DES MOINES - Today, AFSCME Iowa Council 61 President Danny Homan issued the following statement about a recent Public Policy Polling poll on Governor Branstad's decision to close Clarinda and Mt. Pleasant Mental Health Institutes:
"Iowans overwhelmingly oppose Governor Branstad's decision to close Clarinda and Mt. Pleasant Mental Health Institutes. 68 percent oppose closing these facilities; only 12 percent support the closings.
"Throughout this entire process, Governor Branstad has ignored the voices of patients and their families, mental health professionals, law enforcement professionals, community leaders, and legislators. He has recklessly charged forward with his plan to close these facilities.
"This poll makes it clear: Iowans oppose these closures. The Governor needs to start listening to Iowans, put mental health services first, and stop barreling towards closing these facilities with no real plan to replace the services they provide to Iowans facing mental health challenges."
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