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The original documents are located in Box D16, folder "Pine Rest A Better Heritage, 1964"
of the Ford Congressional Papers: Press Secretary and Speech File at the Gerald R. Ford
Presidential Library.
Copyright Notice
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of
photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. The Council donated to the United
States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.
Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public
domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to
remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid
copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
beech?
1964
A BETTER HERITAGE
I can think of no better way to open my remarks this evening than to
repeat the story with which Mr. Stanley S. Kresge concluded his address
at your second annual banquet one year ago. Mr. Kresge said,
"
I am reminded of the story of the great Roman Emperor
Hadrian finding an aged man planting olive trees. Since olive
trees grow 80 slowly, Hadrian said to the man, 'Old man, these
trees will not bear fruit for many years. Do you expect to be
alive to eat the fruit of your labor?' The old man looked up and
said, 'If God wills, I shall eat--and if not, my son will eat.
My father and his father before him planted trees that I might
have fruit. It is my duty, then, to provide for those who shall
come after me.'"
It is only because you are building for tomorrow and not just for today
that you have joined with others in support of Pine Rest Foundation. Because
you are dedicated to a better and greater heritage for those who follow,
you are giving unselfishly of time, money and effort to bring help on a
private, personal basis to those who carry the burden of mental illness.
FORD i LIBRARY BERALD
Digitized from Box D16 of the Ford Congressional Papers: Press Secretary and Speech File at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
-2-
It seems to me that Pine Rest Christian Hospital and the Pine Rest
are
Foundation will be excellent examples of local and private assumption of
responsibility. They represent the answer to those of us who know that
more and more control from Washington and greater centralization of power
in the federal government can only weaken the American system and the status
of the people who make up our great country. Pine Rest Hospital and Pine Rest
Foundation represent a practice of the principles we endorse and a solution
to the problems we decry.
Last year Mr. Kresge spoke on "The Price of Distinctiveness." It was
well that he emphasized the price because certainly to be distinctive, to
hold to sound principle, to refuse to go along with the crowd does extract
its price. We should be extremely thankful that through the years and still
today there are thousands of Americans who are willing to pay this price.
They're willing to pay the price because they are sincerely convinced that
they must leave to those who come after "a better heritage."
However, as one who devotes most of his working hours to activities of
the federal government I am intently interested with you in those aspects
of its work which bear upon responsibilities assumed by Pine Rest Christian
Hospital and the Pine Rest Foundation.
FORD i LIBRAR EERALD
-3-
The House of Representatives recently passed an appropriation bill
including $188 million for the Nat ional Institute of Mental Health. During
the next fiscal year this Institute will make grants for research,
fellowships, training and state-controlled programs costing over $164 million.
We a ways trus t that these enormous amounts for research and training
that
will pay off in intelligent results. The Congress was told for the 8th
consecutive year the resident population in the nation's state and county
mental hospitals decreased. The 1963 figure of 504,947 resident patients
represents a decrease of 2.1% from the 1962 figure. Since the downward
trend began in 1956 there has been a reduction of 54,000, or 9.7%, in
hospital population.
On the other hand, admissions continued to rise. From 267,000 in
1962 to 285,000 in 1963 -- a jump of 6.8% of total admissions. This upward
trend began in the mid 1940s. There has been an increase, therefore, in the
number of net releases from these institutions. Moreover, as the committee
handling the appropriation bill pointed out, "much of this gratifying decline
in the mental hospital population has resulted from intelligent therapeutic
regimens which together with the development of community services permit
-4-
handling of patients in the communities rather than in the large State and
County institutions." It is obvious, therefore, that the overall problem
of mental disease is still with us and presents a serious challenge to
every community.
In discussing the new community mental health centers authorized by the
Congress last year, Dr. Robert H. Felix, Director of the National Institute
of Mental Health, asked and answered a significant question. He said,
How can all the States, regions
and communities-the public officials, the private
agencies, the professionals in the psychiatric
field, the non-psychiatric physicians, the educators
and the clergy--collaborate to plan, sponsor and
administer the centers and provide a strong treat-
ment sequence? They can do so only if the civic
minded citizens who set the patterns of community
action demand that they do so and provide the support
which they must have to secure financing, operational
funds and a working cooperation among all the
professional disciplines involved.
It seems to me this is what those who have supported Pine Rest in the
past and at the present have been doing since Pine Rest was established over
50 years ago.
FORD is LIBRARY 078870
-5-
The Congress last year adopted legislation to assist in the construction
of comprehensive community mental health centers. Working in cooperation
with the state government it was hoped this program would provide an
impetus for local communities to work with a program for prevention, detection
and treatment of emotional disturbances and mental illnesses at a local
level. Michigan has joined the states (about 18 in number) which have passed
legislation to participate in this program. It would seem to me that Pine
3
EE
Rest is in an excellent position to serve as a base of one of these centers
(gy
for our community. I don't know whether officials of the Hospital are
Bat Horker
have lang't further
will
working on this sort of a project but I am certain they are familiar with
what is being done.
The
In this connection I would like to mention the status of legislation
which I introduced in the last Congress and in the present Congress on
behalf of Pine Rest. As most of you know, under present law a recipient
of old age assistance who comes to Pine Rest for care loses his payments
under old age assistance. This means that a greater burden is placed on
those who must support him. If the individual should go to a state
assistance catinue
institution, of course, the Murden
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
6
The bill which I introduced at the request of Pine Rest would enable
the individual on old age assistance to continue to draw his benefits
while being cared for at Pine Rest or any private mental hospital. The
bill is with the Committee on Ways and Means which committee has asked the
Treasury Department and the Department of Health, Education and Welfare
for its recommendati ons. Although both the committee and I have asked
the Departments over a period of 15 months for recommendat ions, to date
none have been received.
On February 26th the Assistant. Secretary of H.E.W. Wilbur Cohen
said in a letter "We are in the process of developing reports on H.R. 483
and other bills related to care in institutions that have been requested by
the Committee on Ways and Means. As soon as these are submitted to the
Committee, a copy of our report on H.R. 483 will be sent to you."
One of our good friends here in Kent County in public welfare work
who knows Mr. Cohen very well wrote me after hearing of this promise
and said, "Just between us, I don't think we should hold our breath
waiting for Cohen to do anything favorable in this matter... I have long
FORD & LIBRARY 9ERAL
-7-
viewed Cohen as a 'Statist' who would prefer not to let private welfare
agencies do anything that public welfare can't do more expensively and
more bureaucratically."
It is this sort of attitude on the part of too many in authority
today which thoroughly discourages those who are dedicated to private
and personal care of the unfortunate. They would increase the power of
the impersonal state rather than to leave for those who follow "the
better heritage."
The Report of the Appropriations Committee on the National Institute
of Mental Health said, among other things,
"In the past year alone there has been a 13% increase in the number
of juveniles brought before the courts by police officers
throughout the country.
"
Witnesses appearing before the committee this year contended
that the present sums allocated by the National Institute of
Mental Health for research, training and demonst ration projects
in the field of juvenile delinquency are far from sufficient
to meet the newly awakened interest in this field."
FORD is LIBRARY GERATO
-8-
It is unfortunate, I think, that so many people - some in positions of
considerable influence - insist that our problems of juvenile delinquency
will be solved by the expenditure of more and more money. Certain facilities
which money can buy may help to combat juvenile delinquency but the basic
causes and solutions run far deeper. The same spirit and attitude which
compels individuals and groups to support Pine Rest Christian Hospital
and Pine Rest Foundation is desparately needed across our country if we are
to make a major gain in the campaign against juvenile delinquency. This
includes personal responsibility, personal care and involvement, personal
sacrifice, all rooted in a personal religious conviction in which we accept
the æsponsibilities of Christian people. A better heritage will only be
insyred when we are willing to take the hard way, when we are ready to
there rather following than expediency. creim outline from - involve a Relter Heritage
=
follow principles
I. Right now the House of Representatives, and especially the Committee
on the Judiciary, is examining a fundamental issue arising out of the
Supreme Court decision on the use of the Bible and the Lord's Prayer
in schools.
GERALD R.FORD LIBRARY
-9-
1.
Problem
2.
Solution
3.
Personal views
II. Another committee - on Post Office and Civil Service - - is this week
going to take up another question with implications for a better
heritage when it discussed a bill to make it more difficult to send
obscene materials through the mails.
1.
H.R. 319 as discussed in the newsletter.
2.
Legislation passed in the 85th Congress to permit prosecution
at destination in addition to origin.
3.
Impounding act.
III. Civil Rights
Meaning for "a better heritage" if you wish to discuss this.
IV
Defense and International Relations.
Possibly a few personal comments on your observations relative to these
subjects in the preservation of "a better heritage."
GERALD
-10-
V. Fiscal Responsibility
1. deficit financing and increased public debt.
2. the moral implications thereof.
3. and the clamor for more and more government activity in spending.
Oswald-
1). Product Ia broken home
VI. Conclusion
3] Cridence he was mentally Ill Dechool 1)suncide
7. Born of an unstable mother
All who support Pine Rest Christian Hospital are planting the olive trees
for themselves and for their sons and daughters and grandsons and
granddaughters. They are building not for today but for tomorrow.
They are practicing those principles which have made our country the
envy of the entire world: - personal responsibility,
Christian love and compassion, unselfish dedication to a worthy cause.
My sincere congratulations to all of you and my complete endorsement
for the aims and objectives of Pine Rest Hospital and the Pine Rest
Foundation.
GERALD FOND NERAST
1964
Printect
A BETTER HERITAGE
I can think of no better way to open my remarks this evening than to
repeat the story with which Mr. Stanley S. Kresge concluded his address
at your second annual banquat one year ago. Mr. Kresge said,
I am remidded of the story of the great Roman Emperor
Hadrian finding an aged man planting olive trees. Since olive
trees grow so slowly, Hadrian said to the man, *Old man, these
trees will not bear fruit for many years. Do you expect to be
alive to eat the fruit of your labor?' The old decklooked up and
said, 'If God wills, I shall eat--and if not, my son will eat.
My father and his father before him planted trees that I might
have fruit. It is my duty, then, to provide for those who shall
come after me.''
It is only because you are building for tomorrow and not just for today
that you have joined with others in support of Pine Rest Foundation. Because
you are dedicated to a better and greater heritage for those who follow
you are giving unselfishly of time, money and effort to bring help on a
private, personal basis to those who carry the burden of mental illness.
FORD in LIBRARY
of
-2-
It seems to me that Pine Rest Christian Hospital and the Pine Rest
Foundation will be excellent examples of local and private assumption of
responsibility. They represent the answer to those of us who know that
more and more control from Washington and greater centralization of power
in the federal government can only weaken the American system and the status
of the people who make up our great country. Prine Rest Hospital and Pine Rest
Foundation represent a practice of the prénciples we endorse and a solution
to the problems we decry.
Last year Mr. Kresge spoke on "The Pifce of Tt was
well that he emphasized the price because certainly to be distinctive, to
hold to sound principle, to refuse to go along with the cound does extract
its price. We should be extremely thankful that through the years and still
today there are thousands of Americans who are willing to pay this price.
They're willing to pay the price because they are sincerely convinced that
they must leave to those who come after "a better heritage."
However, as one who devoges most of his working hours to activities of
the federal government I am intently interested with you in those aspects
of its work which bear upon responsibilities assumed by Pine Rest Christian
Hospital and the Pine Rest Foundation.
-3-
The House of Representatives recently passed an appropriation bill
including $188 million for the National Institute of Mental Health. During
the next fiscal year this Institute will make grants for research,
fellowships, training and state-controlled programs costing over $164 million.
We a bways true that these enormous amounts for research and training
will pay off in intelligent results. The Congress was told for the 8th
conse utive year the resident population in the nation's state and county
mental hospitals decreased. The 1963 figure of 504,947 resident patients
represents a decrease of 2.1% from the 1962 figure. Since the downward
trend began in 1956 there has been a reduction of 54,000, or 9.7%, in
hospital population.
On the other hand, admissions continued to rise. From 267,000 in
1962 to 285,000 in 1963 -- a jump of 6.8% of total admissions. This upward
trend began in the mid 1940s. There has been an increase, therefore, in the
number of net releases from these institutions. Mereover, as the committee
handling the appropriation bill pointed out, "much of this gratifying decline
in the mental hospital population has resulted from intelligent therapeutic
regiments which together with the development of community services permit
handling of patients in the communities rather than in the large State and
County institutions." It is obvious, therefore, that the overall problem
of mantal disease is still with us and presents a serious challenge to
every community.
In discussing the new community mental health centers authorized by the
Congress last year, Dr. Robert H. Felix, Director of the National Institute
of Mental Health, asked and answered a significant question. He said,
How can all the States, regionas and communities--the public officials,
the private agencies, the professionsals in the psychiatric field, the
non-psychiatric physicians, the educators and the clery--collaborate to
plan, sponsor and administer the centers and provide a strong treatment
sequence? They can do so only if the civic minded citizens who set the patteras
of community action demand that they do so and provide the S pport which
they must have to secure financing, operational funds and a working
cooperation among a 11 the professional disciplines involved."
It seems to me this is what those who have supported Pine Rest in the
past and at the present have been doing since Pine Rest was established over
50 years ago,
-5-
The Congress last year adopted legislation to assist in the construction
of comprehensive community mental health centers. Working in cooperation
with the state government it was hoped this program would provide an
impetus for local communities to work with a program for prevention, dection
and treatment of emotionally disturbances and mental illnesses at a local
level. Michigan has joined the states (about 18 in number) which have passed
legislation to participate in this program. It would seem to me that Pine
Rest is in an excellent position to serve as a base of one of these centers
for our community. I don't know whether officials of the Hospital are
working on this sort of a project but I am certain they are familiar with
what 1s b eing done.
In this connection I wuld like to mention the status of legislation
which I introduced in the last Congress and in the present Congress on
behalf of Pine Rest. As most of you know, under present law a recipient
of old age assistance who comes to Pine Rest for care loses his payments
under old age assistance. This means that a greater burden is placed on
those who must support him. If the individual should go to a state
institution, of course, the burden is removed.
6
The bill which I introduced at the request of Pine Rest would enable
the individual on eld age assistance to continue to draw his benefits
while being cared for at Pine Rest or any private mental hospital. The
bill is with the Committee on Ways and Means which committee has asked the
Treasury Department and the Department of Health, Education and Welfare
for its recommendations. Although both the committee and I have asked
the Departments over a period of 16 months for recommendat ions, to date
none have been received.
On February 26th the Assistance Secretary of HEE,W. Wilbur Cohen
said in a letter "We are in the process of developing reports on H.R. 483
and other bills related to care in institutions that have been requested by
the Committee on Ways and Means. As soon as these are submitted to the
Committee, a copy of our report on H.R. 483 will be sent to you."
-
One of our good friends here in Kent County in public welfare work
who knows Mr. Cohen very well wrote me after hearing of this promise
and said, "Just between us, I don't think we should hold our breath
waiting for Cohen to do anything favorable in this metter... I have long
-7-
viewed Cohen as a "Statist' who would prefer not to let private welfere
agencies do anything that public welfare can't do more expensively and
more buresucratically."
It is this sort of attitude on the part of too many in authority
today which thoroughly discourages those who are dedicated to private
and personal care of the unfortunate. They would increase the powersof
the impersonal state rather than to leave for those who follow "the
better heritage."
TheReport of the Appropriations Committee on the National Institutes
of Mental Health said, among other things,
In the past year along there has been a 13% increase in the number
of juveniles brought before the courts by police officers
throughout the country.
$5
Witnesses appearing before the committee this year contended
that the present sums allocated by the National Institute of
Mental Health for research, training and demonst ration projects
in the fiedl of juvenile delinquency are far from sufficient
to meet the newly awakened interest in this field."
÷
It is unfortunate, I think, that so many people - some in positions of
considerable influence - insist that our problems of juvenile delinquency
will be solved by the expenditure of more and more money. Certain facilities
which money can buy may help to combat juvenile delinquency but the basic
causes and solutions run far deeper. The same spirit and attitude which
compels individuals and groups to support Pine Rest Christian Hospital
and Pine Rest Foundation is desparately needed across bir country if we are
to make a major gain in the campaign against juvenile delinquency. This
includes personal responsibility, personal care and involvement, personal
secrifice, all rooted in a personal religious conviction in which we accept
the msponsibilities of Christian people. A better heritage will only be
insgred when we are willing to take the hand way, when we are ready to
follow principles rather then expediency.
I. Right now the House of Representatives, and especially the Committee
on the Judiciary, is examining a fundamental issue arising out of the
Supreme Court decision on the use of the Bible and the Lord's Prayer
in schools.
-9-
1.
Problem
2.
Solution
3.
Personal views
II.
Another committee - on Post Office and Civil Service - is this week
going to take up another question with implications for a better
heritage when it discussed a bill to amek it more difficult to send
obscene materials through the mails.
1.
H.R. 319 as discussed in the newsletter.
2.
Legislation passed in the 85th Congress to permit prosecution
at destination in addttion to origin.
3.
Impounding act.
III.
Civil Rights
Meaning for "a better heritage" if you wish to discuss this.
IV Defense and International Relations.
Possibly a few personal comments on your observations relative to these
subjects in the preservation of "a better heritage."
-10-
V. Fiscal Responsibility
1. deficit financing and increased public debt.
2. the moral implications thereof.
3. and the clamor for more and more government activity in spending.
VI. Conclusion
All who support Pine Rest Christian Hospital are planting the olive trees
for themselve and for their sons and daughters and grandsons and
granddaughters. They are building not for today but for tomorrow.
They are practicing those principles which have made our country the
envy of the entire world: principles, personal responsibility,
Christian love and compassion, unselfish dedication to a worthy cause.
My sincere congratulations to all of you and my complete endorsement
for the athlis and objectives of Pine Rest Hospital and the Pine Rest
Foundation.