JAMES K. HAVEMAN CENTER S.B. 680:
ANALYSIS AS REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE
Senate Bill 680 (as reported without amendment)
Sponsor: Senator Peter MacGregor
RATIONALE
Under Michigan law, several State buildings are named after former office-holders. It has been suggested that, similarly, it would be appropriate to name a patient programming center at a psychiatric facility for a former public official, James K. Haveman. Mr. Haveman has a background in social work and served as the Director of the Michigan Department of Community Health from 1996 to 2003 and again from 2012 to 2014. He also served as the Director of the Department of Mental Health from 1991 to 1996. Additionally, in 2003, former President George W. Bush appointed him the Coalition Provisional Authority Senior Advisor to the Iraqi Ministry of Health, where he also served as Acting Minister for several months. Mr. Haveman has held leadership positions with a number of other public and nonprofit health and human services organizations, and has received awards for his record of public service. In light of his work, it has been suggested that a patient programming center at the Walter P. Reuther Psychiatric Hospital should be named after him.
CONTENT
The bill would amend Public Act 173 of 1968, which provides for the naming of certain State buildings, to name the patient programming center located in the Walter P. Reuther Psychiatric Hospital in Westland, Michigan, the "James K. Haveman Center for Activity, Rehabilitation, and Therapy".
ARGUMENTS
(Please note: The arguments contained in this analysis originate from sources outside the Senate Fiscal Agency. The Senate Fiscal Agency neither supports nor opposes legislation.)
Supporting Argument
James K. Haveman has dedicated a great portion of his career to ensuring that residents of the State's psychiatric hospitals receive the highest quality care available, including the services and supports needed for them to develop skills for self-sufficiency and a high quality of life upon leaving the hospital system. Reportedly, under his leadership, the State's community mental health system underwent unprecedented expansion. Mr. Haveman continues to advocate on behalf of people with mental illness and developmental disabilities, promoting measures to facilitate their discharge from hospitals and successful placement in community settings. In recognition of his extensive efforts to ensure that Michigan's psychiatric hospital patients have opportunities to recover and lead full, healthy lives, it would be fitting to name the patient programming center at the Walter P. Reuther Psychiatric Hospital in his honor.
Legislative Analyst: Julie Cassidy