The closure plan continues despite calls to save the Rosa Coplon Living Center

GETZVILLE, N.Y. (WKBW) – It was an emotional day at the Weinberg Campus in Getzville as elected officials joined residents, families and workers to call on the New York State Department of Health to ‘save’ the Rosa Coplon Living Center .

Elected officials gather with residents, employees and families at the Rosa Coplon Living Center on the Weinberg Campus in an effort to keep the facility open

Just last week, the Ministry of Health announced that it had approved the closure plan for the residential facility submitted by Weinberg Campus in August. That plan, which cites financial problems and an inability to meet residents’ needs, would displace more than 100 people living at the facility, as well as 300 health care workers.

Weinberg Campus said it will close on Nov. 30, 2024, or when the last resident is discharged, whichever comes first. You can view our previous report below and read more here.

Weinberg Campus announces plan to close Rosa Coplon Living Center

The group gathered Monday in hopes that the NYSDOH would reconsider its plan and fund the transfer of ownership of the facility to the Lineage Care Group.

“If Rosa Coplon closes the Weinberg Campus, people will die,” said Democratic U.S. Rep. Tim Kennedy. “That’s what happens when these houses close.”

“We’re calling on the Department of Health to do the right thing, and the right thing is to allow people to continue living here as their home,” said New York State Senator Sean Ryan.

Despite the calls for change, the New York State Department of Health issued a statement to 7 News Monday afternoon saying it was moving forward with approved plans to close the Rosa Coplon Living Center.

“Our top priority is ensuring the safety and well-being of residents and their families following Weinberg’s decision to submit his closure plan to the Department of Health. The extent of Weinberg’s financial problems means that waiting months for a moratorium would pose an unacceptable risk to the safety and well-being of residents. For these reasons, DOH is moving forward with Weinberg’s approved closure plan and the orderly transfer of residents to nearby facilities that will provide the care and support they need. The state is committed to working with any entity interested in purchasing the Weinberg Nursing Home with the goal of preserving these beds for the long term.”

-NYSDOH

Still, Rosa Coplon Living Center employees, residents and families said they plan to continue rallying support. The group is organizing an informational picket for the NYSDOH on Tuesday.