FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 6, 2024

Contact: [email protected]

AUSTIN, TX – In a resolute step towards championing those who care for Texans with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD), Time To Care: Save Texas Caregivers Now is proud to announce that Tarrytown Expocare Pharmacy has joined the coalition, further strengthening the statewide movement to address the urgent issue of underfunding faced by direct support professionals (DSPs) who tirelessly care individuals with IDD.

The chronic underfunding of DSPs has not only compromised the quality of care provided to individuals with IDD but has also led to the regrettable closure of essential group homes, leaving many vulnerable Texans without vital support.

“Tarrytown Expocare Pharmacy is proud to support one of the most critical initiatives focused on improving support services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the state of Texas,” Tarrytown Expocare Pharmacy CEO Mark Lashley said. “Recruiting, hiring and retaining direct support professionals has been a challenge for years and we believe it’s time for Texas to address this crisis.”

The coalition is urging state leaders to authorize an emergency appropriations request through the Legislative Budget Board (LBB) to raise the salary for community-based DSPs from $10.60 to $15 an hour. This will help address the immediate workforce crisis facing DSPs, ensuring that Texans with IDD can receive the support they need.

Coalition spokesperson Sandy Batton thanked Tarrytown Expocare Pharmacy for their support and partnership, stating: “We are proud to welcome Tarrytown Expocare Pharmacy to our ever-growing coalition urging state leaders to address the urgent crisis facing community-based DSPs in Texas. Their support is invaluable in our ongoing efforts to deliver a long-overdue raise for the professionals who care for Texans with IDD.”

For more information on the Time To Care: Save Texas Caregivers Now coalition and to access testimonials from advocates, family members and care providers, please click here.

Tarrytown Expocare Pharmacy is dedicated to solving the unique challenges facing IDD service providers by continuously developing pharmacy solutions to best support DSPs, nursing staff and the individuals they serve.For more information, visit https://tarrytownexpocare.com/

Time To Care: Save Texas Caregivers Now is a coalition dedicated to securing competitive wages for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) who provide essential care to Texans with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD). Through collaboration and grassroots efforts, the coalition strives to enact meaningful change at both the legislative and community levels. To learn more about how to get involved, visit https://timetocaretx.org/

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