SR0537 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0537 LRB098 13745 MST 48273 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Elaine S. Novak of Northbrook, who passed away on June 26, 2013; and

WHEREAS, Elaine Novak was born on September 14, 1949; and

WHEREAS, Elaine Novak served as a State of Illinois employee for over 24 years; she had worked as the Associate Director for Hospital Operations for the Division of Mental Health since 2009, and previously served as Hospital Administrator at Chicago Read Mental Health Center; she also contributed to the Rock Creek Center, the Rush-Presbyterian Saint Luke's Medical Center, the hospital and clinics at the University of Illinois, and the Illinois Psychiatric Institute; and

WHEREAS, Elaine Novak shared her expertise, experience, and leadership with numerous organizations, including as Chairperson to Chicago State University's Department of Occupational Therapy Advisory Council, the Institutional Review Board of the Rock Creek Center, and the Administrative Special Interest Section of the Illinois Occupational Therapy Association; she also served as President of the Illinois Occupational Therapy Association for 4 years; and

WHEREAS, Elaine Novak helped to significantly improve the quality of care delivered in State psychiatric hospitals; she was committed to patients and the mental health system; she is most known for her work in protecting the civil liberties of people in State care by reducing the use of seclusion and restraints and creating coercion-free environments in State hospitals; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Elaine S. Novak, and extend our sincere condolences to her family, friends, and all who knew and loved her; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Elaine Novak as an expression of our deepest sympathy.