NEWS RELEASE
October 4, 1999

Long Term Care Work Group to Hold Public Meetings
Tuesday meeting in Lansing

Michigan Department of Community Health Director, James K. Haveman, Jr., has announced the Michigan Long Term Care Work Group will hold nine public meetings throughout the state to discuss the future of long term care in Michigan.

"This bi-partisan work group began its work in March and have developed a preliminary report with recommendations on the redesign of the long term care system," said Haveman. "We look forward to hearing from citizens across the state on this important issue."

On Tuesday, October 5, 1999, the meeting will be held in:

• Lansing, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., Capitol Building, 3rd floor, Senate Appropriations Room

Meetings have already been held in Mt. Pleasant, Saginaw, Pontiac, Detroit and Ann Arbor. Future public meetings will be held in Grand Rapids, Marquette and Gaylord. The work group began meeting in late March 1999. They have met publicly in Lansing 14 times and received input from a broad range of stakeholders in the long term care system. Once the public hearings are completed, a final report and recommendations will be issued.

Members of the work group include, Director Haveman who serves as Chair, Senator Joel Gougeon, Senator Alma Wheeler-Smith, Representative Sandy Caul, Representative Marc Shulman, Office of Services to the Aging Director Lynn Alexander, Carol Isaacs and Robert Smedes from the Michigan Department of Community Health.

"We encourage people to review the preliminary report and attend the public meetings to offer their comments," said Haveman. The report can be viewed on the Michigan Department of Community Health web site at www.mdch.state.mi.us and copies are also available by calling (517) 241-2112. If individuals are unable to attend the hearings, the work group will be accepting written testimony as well. Please mail, fax or e-mail your testimony to Larry Grinwis at the Michigan Department of Community Health, Lewis Cass Building, 6th floor, 320 S. Walnut, Lansing, Michigan 48933. Fax (517) 335-3090. E-mail GrinwisL@state.mi.us - 30 -