The Direct Support Professional Shortage Hits Crisis Level

With the current Medicaid reimbursement rate only supporting an hourly wage of $10.63 per hour, Direct Support Professionals are leaving the job in droves. According to The Case for Inclusion 2022, the average DSP turnover rate in 2020 in the United States increased by about one percentage point to 43.6%. Georgia's DSP turnover is 46.7%. Meanwhile, vacancy rates for full-time direct support positions increased from 8.5% in 2019 to 12.3% in 2020 - a roughly 45% increase. Georgia providers are currently reporting vacancy rates of 30 - 40%. Crisis services are full, providers are burning reserves and going out of business. 

AJC: Georgia's System for People With Disabilities Hits Crisis Mode

featuring John Zoller, Georgia Options' Board President

Politico: ‘People will die waiting’: America’s system for the disabled is nearing collapse

featuring Pam Walley, Georgia Options' Advocacy Director

AJC: The State Still Falls Short in the Care for the Mentally Disabled 

Georgia Recorder: Caregiver Shortage Extends Wait for Georgians Needing Help With Intellectually Disabled 

NASDDS: Community Supports in Crisis: No Staff, No Services

How can I be part of the solution?

"The DSP Crisis is our biggest challenge. Without a DSP, people can't get the support they need and Georgia Options can't bill Medicaid waiver funds to cover operational costs.  We are dedicated to solving this problem by advocating with our colleagues, and caring about our employees. Georgia Options continues to focus on employee satisfaction and development, family involvement and grassroots advocacy. We can't do it without you. Please stand with us - we are stronger together."

Rena Harris, Executive Director

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