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| Action Report Index  | Press Room | Winter ADAPT Action 2005 |

ADAPT Vigil Day Five

Getting things moving

Babs Johnson

(DENVER July 9, 2002) The coalition of advocates lead by ADAPT camping in front of the Colorado Human Services Building are optimistic of success and seeing an impact of the vigil that has lasted five days.

“We are moving things,” said Dawn Russell, “it has been really good. Everyone has got a lot of energy.”

The Denver Post Business section had a front-page article on the vigil today that showed the Executive Director of HCPF walking past ADAPT’s sign that reads FREE OUR PEOPLE. Karen Reinertson, the executive director, when she saw the photograph is reported to have said: “I look like a tourist.”

Twenty-two advocates kept the vigil last night sleeping under the clear Colorado skies last night keeping up the demand that HCPF not cup or cap the home-health funding.

“Colorado has been a progressive state,” said Babs Johnson of ADAPT, “we shouldn’t be going backwards.”

Several plans are being proposed and examined that will allow Colorado to cut Medicaid spending while continuing to keep the focus of Olmstead. The vigil has given advocates the ability to meet for hours with the HCPF director and staff. 

What was very clear on day five is that the ADAPT vigil has made the state seriously look for options to cutting home and community services. 

- Tim Wheat

• Read about Day One
• Read about Day Two
• Read about Day Three
• Read about Day Four
• Read about Day Five
• Read about Day Five
• Read about Day Six
• Read about Day Seven
• Read about Day Ten
• Read about Days Eleven and Twelve