This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: Ardis48 Surnames: Kalamazoo State Hospital Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.michigan.counties.kalamazoo/16470.1.2/mb.ashx Message Board Post: The advice about patients at the Kalamazoo State Hospital was correct. There were insane patients, however there were all kinds of elderly and ill who had no other place to go. We didn't have nursing homes or assisted living and many people had no choice, but to go to the state hospital. Consider these records as similar to adoption papers. The deceased has no right to privacy, however the hospital does have a right to restrict treatment of the patients. The vital records are public record, however the hospital records are not. This is the same as medical records in other facilities. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.