This is a big responsibility. Evidence of the seriousness with which it is taken can be seen in the detailed description of the rights process placed in the Code by the State legislature. It can be seen in the criteria, set by the Department of Community Health in its assessment process, to assure that rights systems operate to the highest standards. And it can be seen in the efforts of hundreds of rights officers and advisors throughout the state as they endeavor to build strong rights programs. The protection of rights, and the maintenance of a strong recipient rights system to do that, is one of the cornerstones to which the Department is committed.

A unique side effect of this system has been that agencies have developed exceptional methods to assure that staff, recipients, parents, and guardians are made aware of, and become involved in, the process of rights.  Annually, the department presents the Director's Awards as a way to recognize these efforts.

The Director's Awards are presented annually at the Recipient Rights Conference.  If you would like to nominate an entity for consideration for future awards, please select this link to obtain the 2009 Director's Awards Nomination form and instructions. Remember to save your copy of the downloaded form (word format) to your documents before completion of the form. 

Director's Award for Innovation in Rights Protection

Frequently when discussing rights protection, one speaks of laws, rules, guidelines, and policies as well as enforcement and remediation.  Sometimes there is vision beyond the requirements that can lead to empowerment and resilience in the lives of persons with mental disabilities.  This vision, along with persistent work, can bring about a change in the way "things have always been done" which will bring rewards for the future that may not be readily apparent today.  We call this "Innovation!"  This awards a rights program that has been innovative in the way they have developed, trained and included consumers in the rights protection process.

Innovation in Rights Protection Award Winners

2009 James Tenuta, Doctors' Hospital of Michigan
2008  Shane Ray, CMH Partnership of SE Michigan
2007  John McKevitz, Oakland County CMH Authority
2006  Community Network Services - "The Stigma Busters"
2005  Patricia Jolly, MDCH Office of Recipient Rights
2004  Cheryl Parker & Beatrice Stevens, Newaygo County CMH
2003  West Michigan CMH System
2002  Kalamazoo Valley Community College
2001  Woodlands Behavioral Health
2000  Oakland County CMH Authority

This awards a program that makes an outstanding contribution to advocating on behalf of recipients it serves.

Advocacy on Behalf of Mental Health Recipients Award Winners

2009  Les Behnken, Oakwood Heritage Hospital
2008  Sue Witting, Henry Ford Kingswood Hospital
2007  Newaygo County CMH
2006  Judy Tucker, MDCH Office of Recipient Rights
2005  Kevin Oosterhouse, Network 180
2004  Dianne Baker, MDCH Office of Recipient Rights
2003  Sanilac County CMH
2002  Borgess Medical Center
2001  Macomb County CMH
2000  MDCH - Mt. Pleasant Center Office of Recipient Rights

This awards a rights program that has developed a program or process which has a direct impact on the ability of consumers to advocate for themselves in the protection of their rights.

Consumer Empowerment Award Winners

2009  Shannon Kaufmann, InterAct of Michigan
2008  Jack Donaldson, Oakland County CMH Authority
2008  Marc DeRush, Macomb County Community Mental Health
2008  Eunice Howard, Detroit-Wayne County CMH Agency
2007  Jeff Patton, Kalamazoo County CMH & SA Services
2006  William Allen, Oakland County CMH Authority 
2005  Robert Chadwick, Tuscola Behavioral Health Systems
2004  Cindy Tewksbury, Tuscola Behavioral Health Systems
2003  Chad Witcher, MDCH Office of Recipient Rights
2002  Oakland County CMH Authority
2001  Lifeways
2000  Tuscola Behavioral Health Systems

Cookie Gant Spirit Award

Cookie Gant was a Michigan grown but nationally known advocate for human rights. She was a disability activist, a performance artist, a powerful raiser of consciousness, and a relentless supporter of diversity in every aspect of life. Cookie fought for human rights in the mental health system every day, never giving up her tough spirit, her love for others, or her sense of humor. She was an unstoppable, irreverent activist, who always maintained loving support and affection for people in "the movement."  Shortly after her death in 2003, the State Recipient Rights Committee established an award in her honor and indicated that it should be given annually to a person who exhibits the dedication, demonstrates the tenacity, and advocates diligently for persons with mental illness and developmental disabilities - just the way Cookie lived her life.

Cookie Gant Spirit Award Winners

2009  Nancy Lewis
2008  Donna Nichols
2007  James Lindsey
2006  Linda Rama
2005  Jamie Armstrong
2004  Marty Raaymakers
2003  Cookie Gant