The County Press

Halting Caro Center reconstruction project draws ire of local state, federal officials


CARO — Concerns about staffing, ability for patients’ families to be involved in their treatment and water accessibility have caused Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and state officials to delay the Caro Center Reconstruction project to allow for an outside consultant to review the project and recommend next steps to best meet the needs of Michigan’s citizens.

The governor’s announcement came as a disappointment to state and federal officials.

State Sen. Kevin Daley, R-Arcadia Township commented, “I’m very disappointed in the governor’s decision to re-examine the need for the Caro Center project. The opening of the new Caro Psychiatric Hospital was something that former Representative Canfield, Senator Mike Green and Governor Snyder worked so diligently to get approved last year.”

Daley represents the 31st Senate District that includes Lapeer, Tuscola and Bay counties. He continued, “The decision was made for the hospital to remain in Caro and the state has already spent over $3 million on the project. Local governments have already invested, and many residents are counting on this project for jobs.

“The Caro Center is the second largest employer in Tuscola county and I am committed to working hard to making sure that this project is completed. There is too much at stake for the community.”

Rep. Gary Howell, R-Deerfield Township on Thursday said he is angry and perplexed by the governor’s announcement that she plans to halt construction of a new state psychiatric hospital in Caro.

“The governor’s decision to halt construction at the Caro facility and revisit an issue that’s already been decided is a complete waste of taxpayer money. We don’t have $3 million to throw away,” Howell said. “Even worse, it’s an affront to the Michigan patients and their families who are in desperate need of these mental health services. It’s an insult to the Caro facility workers who dedicate so much time and effort on behalf of their patients. This rash decision threatens jobs, many of which are held by Lapeer County residents, as well as the regional economy. I will be working to rectify this situation and make sure the mentally ill and the facility’s employees do not become pawns in a political tug-of-war.”

Congressman Paul Mitchell, R-Dryden Township released the following statement. “I am concerned about reports that Governor Whitmer’s administration is delaying construction — already underway — of the new 150-bed psychiatric hospital in Caro. Rural communities in the Thumb rely on facilities like this for both mental health care and jobs. In the coming days, I will speak more with local community leaders and will attempt to speak to Governor Whitmer to seek an explanation for why her administration would make this financially irresponsible decision to delay construction.”

Mitchell represents the 10th Congressional District that includes Lapeer, St. Clair, Sanilac, Huron and most of northern Macomb County and eastern Tuscola County.

In 2017, according to a statement on the Michigan Dept. of Health & Human Services website, the state legislature authorized financing to construct a new hospital on the Caro site. The new Caro Psychiatric Hospital was scheduled to be completed in 2021 and serve 200 adults, an increase of 50 beds from the existing facility.

However, said spokesperson Lynn Sutfin, current hospital operations in Caro face notable challenges, including staffing shortages and barriers to recruitment of staff at the hospital. There is not currently an active permanent psychiatrist on staff at Caro, and psychiatrists from other state hospitals have been pulled in to provide treatment for patients.

The location is also creating challenges for patients and their families, with only 30 percent of the current 86 patients living within 75 miles of Caro. This challenges family and community engagement, which are key to psychological stability and improvement.

Identifying a safe, sustainable water source at an acceptable cost has also caused a delay in the design and could end up costing $2.4 million in addition to the $115 million already budgeted for the project.

“Based on these issues, we have decided to seek outside consultation to review the proposed Caro Center project to determine what is in the best interest of Michiganders who need critical state hospital services,” said Robert Gordon, Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services director. “Bed capacity, access to trained staff and proximity to family and community services will be a part of the reexamination.”

The Caro Center build will pause during the reexamination; however, MDHHS will continue to operate the current facility, serve patients, and complete routine maintenance and repairs through the hospital’s budget.

A recommendation on the project is expected by the end of June.

“Abandoning this project now is at best a classic example of government waste and inefficiency, and at worst a crass attempt to put politics before people,” Howell said.