POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- A town hall meeting will be held today in Dexter to discuss a proposed senate bill related to the closure of Missouri's six habilitation centers. The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Dexter Inn, 1807 Business 60 West.

Habilitation centers in Poplar Bluff, St. Louis, Bellefontaine, Marshall, Higginsville and Sikeston serve approximately 650 severely disabled residents.

If passed, Senate Bill 56 would develop a plan for all of the centers to close in the next 10 years and transfer their residents to community-based placement.

Town hall meetings will be held across the state Friday to oppose this legislation, said Joyce Dixon, president of the Friends and Family Association for Southeast Missouri Residential Services (SEMORS) of Poplar Bluff and Sikeston.

"The legislation aims to close the facilities that our loved ones rely on, putting them in grave danger," Dixon said.

Friends and family of habilitation center residents have spoken out in recent weeks, saying Missouri does not have adequate private services to provide proper care for their loved ones.

"Our family members represent the minority -- the less than 5 percent of citizens who are severely disabled with profound mental retardation, multiple physical impairments, extreme behavior challenges, and ongoing medical concerns," Dixon said in a news release. "Protection of the rights of the minority is a pillar of justice in this country. Families across the nation are being a voice for the residents in habilitation centers here in Missouri and across the nation. We have to speak up now."

Anyone with questions can contact Dixon at 417-934-2394.

Pertinent address:

1807 Business 60 West, Dexter, MO