NEWS RELEASE
December 10, 1999

Haveman Names Lisa Splawn Executive Director,
Children's Special Health Care Trust Fund

Michigan Department of Community Health Director James K. Haveman, Jr., today announced that Lisa Splawn will serve as Executive Director of the Children's Special Health Care Trust Fund.

"For more than fifty years, the Trust Fund has been a resource for Michigan families of children with special health care needs," said Governor Engler. "Lisa's experience in civil rights and disability issues, her compassion and professionalism make her the ideal individual to continue the mission of the Trust Fund."

"Lisa's working relationship with the disability community makes her an outstanding choice and I am pleased she shares my enthusiasm to get more individuals involved with the Trust Fund," said Haveman. "It is clear, the children and families will truly benefit from Lisa's skill and expertise."

The Children's Special Health Care Trust Fund helps pay for services and projects for children with special health care needs not provided by other health care funds. Hundreds of children with disabilities and serious illnesses have benefitted from the Trust Fund's services. The fund began in 1944 with a generous bequest of Dow Chemical Company stock by a founder of the Dow Chemical Company, Dr. and Mrs. James T. Pardee. In addition many individuals, organizations and businesses support the Trust fund through gifts and bequests.

Splawn, of Dimondale, currently serves as Governor Engler's Civil Rights and Disability Policy Coordinator. Splawn has worked for Governor Engler since 1990 and previously served as Administrative Assistant to the Director of State Government Affairs and Executive Assistant to the Deputy Chief of Staff. She attended Michigan State University.

The purposes of the Trust Fund include services for children, assistance to groups and improving service systems. When a child needs special services or equipment and has no other source of payment, the Trust Fund may help. Some examples are wheelchair ramps, surgical repair of congenital anomalies, therapeutic tricycles and partial support for van lifts. The Trust Fund also supports conferences on issues related to parents and professionals involved with children with special health care needs and training for agencies and groups delivering services to these children. Financial assistance may be available for programs and demonstration projects directed at improving the service delivery system for children with special health care needs.

Splawn will work closely with the Trust Fund for Children with Special Health Care Needs Committee, which volunteers their time to provide input and guidance into the Trust Funds's grant-making and policies. She will also be responsible for continued fundraising for the Trust Fund.

The Children's Special Health Care Trust Fund welcomes donation of any amount and gifts are fully tax deductible to the extent allowed by the law. Individuals wishing to contribute may send a donation to:

The Children's Special Health Care Trust Fund 
Michigan Department of Community Health 
P.O. Box 30479 
Lansing, Michigan 48909-7979