LANSING, Mich. — Senate Health Policy Committee Minority Vice Chair Michael Webber on Tuesday renewed his call for state accountability after it was reported that the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has agreed to pay a $13 million settlement to a dozen patients and employees traumatized during an ill-advised and poorly executed active shooter drill that took place at the former Hawthorn Center in December 2022.
“While I hope the patients and families affected by this situation can find some solace of relief through this settlement, there is a disturbing pattern of the governor’s administration failing to take seriously the horrific incidents patients are facing within our state’s crumbling mental health system,” said Webber, R-Rochester Hills. “I am extremely disappointed that the state does not have to admit to any wrongdoing as part of this settlement agreement, and that the employee who actually ran the drill is still employed by the state. Where is the accountability from this department and from this governor?”
Webber has previously pushed for legislative hearings and hosted a listening session with former patients and concerned parents about concerns over care and safety at the state’s only psychiatric hospital for minors. The state Office of the Auditor General (OAG) has begun its independent investigation into how the Office of Recipients Rights handles allegations at state-run psychiatric hospitals, following a request initiated by the senator.
“The Legislature has a duty to ensure state agencies like MDHHS spend taxpayer dollars on the people they are charged to serve rather than on lawsuits because of poor management and leadership. More importantly, individuals who find themselves in need of the state’s care should be protected from unnecessary and preventable harm,” Webber said.
Residents who would like to share their experiences or concerns over care received at state-run psychiatric hospitals may contact Disability Rights Michigan, the federally mandated protection and advocacy system for Michigan, toll-free at 1-800-288-5923 or visit drmich.org.