NEWS RELEASE
September 23, 1999

Long Term Care Work Groups to Hold Statewide Hearings

Michigan Department of Community Health Director, James K. Haveman, Jr., today 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."

Mt. Pleasant, Monday, September 27, 1999,

9:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m., Lake Michigan Room of the Bovee Center located at the corner of Preston and Franklin, Central Michigan University

Saginaw, Monday, September 27, 1999

2:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m., Recital Hall of the Performing Arts Center, 7400 Bay Road Saginaw Valley State University

Pontiac, Friday, October 1, 1999

1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., County Commissioner's Building, 1200 N. Telegraph

Detroit, Monday, October 4, 1999

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., State of Michigan Plaza Building, Room 21A, 1200 6th Ave.

Ann Arbor, Monday, October 4, 1999

2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m., Washtenaw County Library, Room One, 4135 Washtenaw Ave.

Lansing, Tuesday, October 5, 1999

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

Grand Rapids, Friday, October 8, 1999

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Kent County Commissioners Building, 300 Monroe NW

Marquette, Friday, November 12, 1999

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Northern Michigan University, University Center Don H. Bottum, Brule Room, 540 W. Kay Avenue

Gaylord, Friday, November 12, 1999

2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m., Marsh Ridge Resort, 4815 Old 27 South

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