Press Releases

MIAMI, FL – In the wake of the death of eight seniors at the Rehabilitation Center at Hollywood Hills, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) will host a town hall on strengthening compliance and standards at long-term care facilities on Tuesday.

"These eight deaths regretfully happened in District 24 and we want ensure that something like this never happens again on our watch," said Congresswoman Wilson. "We have disproportionately more long-term care facilities in District 24 than any other congressional district in Florida, and we are the guardians of these 100 or more facilities. It will take our combined efforts to establish systems to watch out for those who cannot watch out for themselves."

An honorary task force comprised of all District 24 elected officials, long-term care center administrators, advocates, and influencers will be launched at the town hall. Its mission will be to explore policies and measures to prevent catastrophes like the one that took place at Hollywood Hills. Lives are saved when long-term care centers take precautions.

"This will never happen again on our watch," said Congresswoman Wilson. "We are the guardians of our seniors and it's up to all of us to set up a safety net for them to ensure that they can continue to live out their golden years. We will do this through federal and state legislation, advocacy, and constant communication. We are holding the powers that be in the State of Florida responsible for this tragedy and we will see that they address inadequacies, negligence, oversight, and basic common sense policies and procedures."

What: Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson Town Hall on Strengthening Compliance and Standards at Senior Facilities

Who: Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24), Florida State Senator Lauren Book, City of North Miami Beach Mayor George Vallejo, City of Hollywood Mayor Josh Levy, City of North Miami Mayor Dr. Smith Joseph, Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Giménez, Powered for Patients Project Director Eric Cote, Service Employees International Union (SEIU), and representatives from Aventura Plaza, Hampton Court, Douglas Gardens, Miami Jewish Health Center, New Horizons Medical Center, Cross Gardens Care Center, and Pines Nursing Home.

When: Tuesday, September 19, 2017, 10:30 a.m.

Where: North Miami Beach City Hall Commission Chambers 17011 NE 19th Avenue, North Miami Beach, FL 33162-3100