NEWS RELEASE
May 6, 1997

One Month, Over a Half Million Taxpayer Dollars Wasted

Day 31...$549,072

The temporary restraining orders and judicial rulings against the Department of Community Health have cost Michigan taxpayers $549,072 since April 5.

"The citizens of Michigan demand accountability when it comes to their tax dollars. The courts and special interests must be held accountable for this obscene waste in taxpayer dollars," said Michigan Department of Community Health Director James K. Haveman, Jr.

The $549,072 could have covered the state share of two Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) program serving 50-60 adults each and provided home based services to nine children and their families.

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. Home based services reach children who are at risk of out of home placement, such as hospitalization. Home based services include case management, therapy, behavioral aides and medications.

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, 210 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 $374,480.

The Pheasant Ridge facility, in Kalamazoo, previously had no patients being treated there, with a staff of 36 employees. One child was recently 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 $174,592.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PRESS CONTACT: Geralyn Lasher
May 6, 1997 (517) 241-2112