Hundreds could lose jobs in CVTC closure

Hundreds of positions would vanish when the Central Virginia Training Center closes. Those jobs provide care for patients who otherwise cannot live on their own or even in a smaller home, says one parent who advocates for her twin.

Martha Bryant’s 18-year-old sons, Tyler and Taylor, require skilled care, which means intense nursing help 24 hours a day. They have lived at the center since they were less than three years old.

Such community homes have yet to be built and will not be sufficient for her sons, says Bryant, a registered nurse and a clinical instructor for the Amherst County School of Practical Nursing at the Monroe Educa tion Center.

Her sons will not be able to stay at the center, and they can’t go home because she can’t care for them on her own.

“What they plan to do is under serve, which will expedite death,” Bryant said. “What they’re offering is not going to work.

“This is a battle for survival.”

CVTC has seven physicians, 110 registered nurses or licensed practical nurses, 14 psychologists, 23 rehabilitation professionals, nine speech and language specialists and audiologists and 13 other licensed professionals.

The center has 752 people who work directly with the 360 residents with profound physical and intellectual disabilities combined with administrative and support staffers, for a total of 1,162, according to the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services.

Less-skilled care, with less frequency, is what Bryant fears.

“I can’t replace what (her sons) have with what they’re offering,” she said.

Beyond the human cost, the impending closure — even in eight years down the road — will have a major impact on Amherst County.

“This is a bolt,” said Lee Cobb, of the county’s Economic Development Authority. “It will take a while for the reality to sink in.

“I suppose from the county’s point of view, the EDA’s view, you’re going to have to look at that big piece of land and see what can be done with that big piece of land and what can be done to help the people,” he said referring to the employees and residents.

“This is a shocker, in my observation. This is a major, major impact. It’s the sort of thing, from the county’s perspective and the EDA’s perspective, we need to jump in as soon as we can. We can’t sit back and wait for things to unfold.

“I have no idea of the purchasing impact, local goods and services, materials supplies, keeping the machinery running, computers, food, all of those things.”

CVTC employees attended a meeting last Thursday to receive the news personally. The state sent out an email earlier that morning, said employees, who did not want to give their names.

“We love our jobs, and we love the people,” one employee said.

“I’ve seen them (employees),” said Joe Nonnemacher, a contractor working at the center. “It’s a shame.”

Inquiries were directed to a spokeswoman in Richmond.

“Close?!” said Guy Morris III, who runs The Pit eatery on Colony Road, where he serves ribs, fish and wings. “My goodness gracious.”

“I grew up taking care of a family member, so I know the importance of ‘round the clock’ care. You’re talking about putting a dent in a community.”