Wade, David 1973-06-06
Dr. David Wade, first director of the Office of Comprehensive Health Planning, recalls and comments upon his relationship with Governor Preston Smith while describing the initial stages of the planning office. He then takes up the Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation, along with the formation of the Texas Commission for Rehabilitation.
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: David Wade
Additional Parties Recorded: None
Date: June 06, 1973
Location: Austin, Texas
Interviewer: Fred Carpenter
Length: 2 hours
Abstract
Tape 1, Side 1: Autobiographical data,
Describes careers in psychiatry and government administration,
Characterizes Governor Preston Smith and his abilities and concerns,
Discusses Smith’s work procedures,
Recalls Smith’s campaign and his own invitation to join the administration,
Office of Comprehensive Health Planning director,
Anecdote about Smith’s habit of making his own phone calls,
Smith’s decision to concentrate all planning under his office stressed.
Tape 1, Side 2: Describes Office of Comprehensive Health Planning facilities,
Smith’s reaction to color scheme recounted,
Relates Smith’s compassion for Senate clerk as an example of a constant attitude,
Frank Boyd, business manager of OCHP, characterized,
Other staff members listed,
Defines comprehensive health planning,
Responsibilities of the staff,
Marion Zetzman’s accomplishments mentioned,
Development of regional planning agencies outlined,
Zetzman’s paper, "How to Plan Without Money," used as a model,
Health manpower referral system with University of Texas School of Public Health and Dan Schneider explained,
Training of para-professional personnel, veterans.
Tape 2, Side 1: Health manpower referral system description (cont’d),
Notes that the project was one of the major accomplishments of the OCHP,
Governor’s staff meetings and some staff members recalled,
Incident about choice between politics and "the best for the people",
Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation conflict remembered,
Rumors about his own accession to commissioner-ship,
Governor’s talk to board of MH/MR,
Granted funds for planning by the board,
Smith asked him to become commissioner of MH/MR,
Describes his decision to accept.
Tape 2, Side 2: Continues to describe beginning at MH/MR Department,
Describes appointment of Raymond Vowell as Commissioner of Public Welfare,
Burton Hackney became Director of OCHP,
Texas Medical Association unhappy with Hackney’s appointment,
Discussion of Smith as Governor,
Praises Smith’s organizational abilities,
Analyzes Smith’s delegation of work and relationship with staff,
Various staff members discussed,
Texas Commission for Rehabilitation establishment presented,
Jess Erwin employed as commissioner,
Smith’s open-door policy described.
Range Dates: 1969-1973
Bulk Dates: 1969-1973
Access Information
Original Recording Format:
Recording Format Notes:
Transcript:
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