NEWS RELEASE
April 30, 1997

Day 25: Over 440,000 Taxpayer Dollars Wasted

The temporary restraining orders and judicial rulings against the Department of Community Health have cost Michigan taxpayers $442,800 since April 5.

"As the Michigan Legislature continues their work on budget issues, it is crucial for them to have all the information on what these judicial rulings cost the taxpayers of this state," said Michigan Department of Community Health Director James K. Haveman, Jr.

The $442,800 could have covered the state share of an Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) program serving 50-60 adults and funded Clubhouse participation programs for more than 70 people.

ACT programs have been highly successful servicing individuals with serious mental illness who historically ceased receiving treatment and taking their medications. It has been highly effective at keeping people in treatment and improving their quality of life, virtually eliminating homelessness for those individuals who are receiving this treatment. Clubhouse programs develop and enhance psychiatric stability, social competencies, vocational skill development and support for people living independently. There are 41 psychosocial rehabilitation clubhouses in Michigan.

The Alliance for the Mentally Ill and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees filed suit to stop the layoffs of state employees. The layoffs, scheduled to take place on April 5, at Clinton Valley Center and the Pheasant Ridge facility in Kalamazoo are needed because staffing at these facilities were in excess of the Department's staffing standards.

Last year, Clinton Valley Center (CVC) was treating 315 persons with mental illness. Currently, 223 recipients are being treated there. There are 595 employees at CVC. 83 of these employees were scheduled for layoff. Due to the court action, the estimated cost of keeping the Clinton Valley employees designated for layoff on staff run in excess of $12,000 a day, or over $84,000 a week in taxpayer dollars. To date the cost is $302,000.

The Pheasant Ridge facility, in Kalamazoo, previously had no patients being treated there, with a staff of 36 employees. On Friday, one child was admitted to Pheasant Ridge. The judicial rulings cost the taxpayers of Michigan more than $5,600 a day, or more than $40,000 a week. To date the cost is $140,800.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PRESS CONTACT: Geralyn Lasher
April 30, 1997 (517) 241-2112