Category: Health Centers in the News

CENTER LINE–MyCare Health Center, a Macomb County based Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), received the Eagle Award for Visionary Leadership from the Greater Detroit Area Health Council (GDAHC). This award was given to those organizations that exhibited outstanding leadership over the past year. Karen Wood, Chief Executive Officer of MyCare, accepted the award on behalf of the organization. The Eagle Award for Visionary Leadership was one of four award categories given at the virtual ceremony on May 13, 2021.

Some of the notable things MyCare has done over this past year include; switching to telehealth appointments last March within 48 hours of closing the clinics for in person visits, setting up a COVID-19 testing facility by April 2020, making necessary changes to operations to ensure the safety of staff and patients, vaccinating staff at the beginning of 2021, advocating to receive vaccinations so they would be available for their patients and the community, and coordinating remote vaccine clinics with community partners. These accomplishments could not have been possible if not for MyCare’s exemplary leadership and dedicated staff.

As a Federally Qualified Health Center and first responder, MyCare provides high quality primary and preventative healthcare to all regardless of their ability to pay.  MyCare operates three clinics, in Mount Clemens, Clinton Township, and another in Center Line. The integrated services provided include; routine medical care for adults, children and infants; dentistry, Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), behavioral health, podiatry, laboratory services, women’s health services along with other support services aimed to improve the health and wellness of the community. To help prevent the risk of spreading the virus, clinics are now encouraging patients to call ahead if they feel they are symptomatic. For those patients visiting the clinics for in-person appointments, MyCare is taking every precaution to keep the risk for these patients low by frequently cleaning all surfaces, requiring masks to enter, taking temperatures at the door, and screening each patient with COVID related questions. The Center Line dental clinic is now seeing new and existing patients for routine and emergency care. For an appointment, please call 586-467-0980.

Karen Wood, MyCare’s chief executive officer, stated, “Our organization was very honored to receive this award. We share this award with our volunteer Board of Directors and staff, without their dedication to our cause, we would not have been able to say yes when it would have been easier to say no. I am thankful that at some point they asked, ‘what can I do to help others’, and answered the call.

This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant number H80CS26572 from the Public Health Service ACT, Title III, Section 330 for $1,695,979.00 total with 71% financed with nongovernmental sources. This information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government.

To learn more about MyCare Health Center, their services and providers, visit http://www.mycarehealthcenter.org/

(Photos Provided: CEO Karen Wood, pictured, accepts the Eagle Award on behalf of MyCare Health Center.)

–Courtesy Erika DeLange, MyCare Health Center

SAULT STE. MARIE—In hard hats and safety vests, the two women shimmy up aluminum boarding ladders onto a converted World War II tanker.

Read more of Robin Erb’s story by clicking on the link, https://bit.ly/3uLfN9a.

Two health centers in the Michigan Primary Care Association family, Kalamazoo-based Family Health Center, Inc., and Health Centers Detroit Medical Group Detroit, are showcased in a story by Robin Erb, a staff writer at bridgemi.com (Bridge Michigan).

The story titled “Boarding a freighter in the Soo Locks to deliver 5 doses of COVID vaccine” in the Michigan Health Watch section of the website quotes chief executive officers of both health centers: Health Centers Detroit Medical Group President Dr. Herbert Smitherman and Family Health Center President Denise Crawford.

(Photo courtesy: Scott Laursen, bridgemi.com)

MUSKEGON, Mich. — Hackley Community Care (HCC) School Based Health Programs behavioral health services at Muskegon Covenant Academy ended on May 7, 2021.

HCC’s School Based Programs provided behavioral health counseling to students at Covenant Academy who are pursuing high school completion in a more flexible, non-traditional education environment, for the past five years.

HCC’s School Based Health Programs is committed to continuing services to Covenant Academy students and their families at one of our other locations listed below.

Students also have the option to receive services at one of the other convenient locations within Muskegon County:
1. Muskegon Teen Health Center (231.733.6680) offers medical, dental and mental health services. This site is located at 80 W. Southern Ave., Muskegon, MI 49441.

2. HCC Clinton Site (231.737.1335) offers NowCare medical and mental health services. The Clinton site is located at 1550 Clinton Street, Muskegon, MI 49442

3. HCC Leahy Site (231.737.1335) offers medical, and mental health services. The Leahy site is located at 1675 Leahy St., Suite 103, Muskegon, MI 49442

4. HCC Baker Site (231.737.1335) offers medical, dental, mental health, OB and pharmacy services. The Baker site is located at 2700 Baker St., Muskegon, MI 49444

The staff at the Muskegon Teen Health Center are available to help coordinate continued and or new services for students and their family. Appointments can be scheduled by calling the Muskegon Teen Health Center at 231.733.6680.

Officials and staff look forward to providing continued service to students, families and staff at Muskegon Covenant Academy at one of the above listed HCC locations.

Learn more at www.hackleycommunitycare.org

–Courtesy HCC Communications

SAGINAW–Jessica Kleinfeld, a nurse at Great Lakes Bay Health Centers, recently was named one of the winners of the 2021 Carleen K. Moore Nursing Excellence Award, recognizing her outstanding work, amazing professionalism, creativity and compassion during the 2020-21 nomination period.

Kleinfeld received a beautiful crystal bowl and a check for $800 in recognition of their contributions to our regional community and the profession of nursing practice.

Andrea Frederick, DHA, MSN, RN Associate Professor of Nursing at Saginaw Valley State University, acknowledged Kleinfeld’s contribution to patient care, community health and the nursing profession in an awards ceremony. Her co-workers cheered, “we appreciate you, your dedication and the quality healthcare you provide to our patients every day! Such an honor to have this amazing nurse on our team!”

The Carleen K. Moore Nursing Excellence Award presented by the SVSU Department of Nursing publicly recognizes the profession of nursing and the contributions of exemplary registered nurses in the regional community. Awards are distinguished in the following service areas: acute care staff nurses (four are recognized), community/public health nurses (two are recognized), and long-term care and rehabilitation nursing education awards will be based on nurses’ achievements and impact in the community and at the bedside.

 Nursing excellence selection criteria state the honoree must be an outstanding registered nurse who has exemplified excellence in clinical practice, education, frontline leadership, and community involvement. This award is intended to honor the excellent practice of frontline care givers. Demonstrated dedication, knowledge, leadership and compassion are also considered.

LANSING–In an effort to reach more Michiganders in need of COVID-19 testing and other public health services, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is partnering with Genesee Community Health Center (GCHC) to provide mobile COVID-19 testing, vaccines and PPE, along with food, clothing and other social services.

“Every Michigander should have access to fundamental public health services regardless of their zip code, and this partnership with the Genesee Community Health Center will bring us a step closer to making that a reality,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist. “These mobile sites are a product of the Michigan Coronavirus Task Force on Racial Disparities, which I am proud to have chaired for over a year, and have been widely successful in advancing racial equity as we fight COVID-19. I look forward to seeing this partnership provide services where they are most needed in Genesee County.”

“Reaching out and taking resources to where Michiganders live makes it easier to access these services and increases the chances of them getting a COVID test or being vaccinated against or having a health screening,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, MDHHS chief medical executive and chief deputy for health. “This partnership is helping address health disparities in communities as well as providing access to resources including emergency food and shelter, and referrals to other assistance programs.”

Genesee Community Health Center provides a medical home with a focus on the health of the whole person, offering primary care and mental health and substance use services and other community supports.

“This partnership with the state helps us to expand our reach within the community, allowing us to bring mobile services where they are most needed in the community,” said Jean Troop, director of GCHC. “We have always known that Genesee County’s most vulnerable populations have difficulty in obtaining needed services for their health and well-being. To that end, we are utilizing our mobile services to ensure we can reach individuals who have transportation and lack of resources that hinder them from getting important health and social services.”

“We work with a high-risk population who doesn’t often have a primary physician,” said Nicole Droomer, LMSW, CADC, clinical manager at New Paths, a Flint-based agency serving individuals with substance use disorders. “We wanted to be proactive with our staff and clients to bring the vaccine to them.”

Michigan residents seeking more information about the COVID-19 vaccine can visit Michigan.gov/COVIDvaccine. Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

ALCONA–Alcona Health Center (AHC) was recently the recipient of a gift from the White House. The annual White House Easter Egg Roll was cancelled this year due to COVID-19. The Commemorative Eggs instead found their way to healthcare facilities around the nation, with Alcona Health Center in Northern Michigan being selected for the honor.

AHC is a Federally Qualified Health Center with locations in seven counties through out the region, serving patients from an area encompassing over 18,000 square miles. They serve over 30,000 patients on an annual basis and have been working with the Health Resources and Services Administration, an agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, to get COVID-19 vaccines distributed to anyone in these rural communities who is eligible and wants the vaccine.

“It is such an honor for Alcona Health Center to be selected by President Biden and the First Lady to be the recipient of these commemorative eggs. Our staff has done such an amazing job throughout this pandemic. It has not been easy for them, but each step of the way they have risen to the challenge.  I am proud of our team and happy that they are being recognized for their work through this gift from the White House.”, states AHC CEO, Nancy Spencer. “As COVID-19 cases are increasing again in the areas we serve, it can become difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel.  The hope that comes with people getting vaccinated and through kind gestures like this, whether from government leaders or community members, really makes a difference.”

To see/download the full letter from the White House click here.  Download the enclosed photo here.

View the video on Facebook here.

JACKSON–The Center for Family Health Jackson this week published its April 2021 newsletter.

This month’s edition of the CenterPiece issue includes what vaccines are available; dispelling myths; fluoride initiative; and new walk-in staff.

Click on the link to read about the latest news in CenterPiece.

MUSKEGON–Mercy Health Muskegon Hackley Campus Urgent Care operations will officially transition to Hackley Community Care (HCC) on May 10. Hackley Community Care plans to bring enhanced patient services to the 30,000-square-foot space, formerly Mercy Health Hackley Campus Emergency Department.

This expands Hackley Community Care’s services to the Clinton Street location in Muskegon. HCC will provide NowCare medical services and mental health services for all Muskegon County residents. NowCare medical services include treatment for acute symptoms that require immediate care such as allergies, bites and stings, headaches, pink eye, pain, rash, insomnia, sprains, toothaches, and so on. Mental health services will include counseling for depression, anxiety, recovery from sexual abuse or childhood abuse and neglect, and other specialized physical and emotional outpatient therapy.

“Hackley Community Care is excited to join with Mercy Heath in this endeavor,” said Linda Juarez, Chief Executive Office of Hackley Community Care. “We are expanding services to the surrounding residents near the Clinton Street location because we are committed to providing access to those who have relied on having health care options within walking distance to where they live.”

Hackley Community Care provides comprehensive medical, dental, mental health and pharmacy services at 2700 Baker Street. HCC operates at the Hackley Campus Professional Building, providing medical and mental health services. Hours of operation at 1675 Leahy, Suite 103, (Professional Building) are Mondays – Wednesdays, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Thursday and Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. HCC’s NowCare medical services and expanded mental health services will be an enhancement to the services HCC currently provides.

HCC NowCare medical services at 1550 Clinton Street will be provided Monday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Mental Health services hours will be available from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Patients can make an appointment by calling 231.737.1335. Walk-ins are welcomed.

The Clinton space will temporarily close from April 23 through the first week in May to allow for HCC redesign and renovations. During this time period, patients may seek Urgent Care at Mercy Health’s Sherman, Norton Shores and Lakes Campus (reopening April 26, 2021) locations, with all emergency and trauma care services at Mercy Campus, 1500 E. Sherman Blvd. in Muskegon. Mercy Health will continue to offer Behavioral Health, Primary and Specialty Care services on the Hackley Campus.

“When Mercy Health planned the hospital consolidation project years ago, the goal was to build a world-class medical center that would serve the needs of our community for years to come and to ensure that seamless health care services remained available for the residents who live near Hackley Campus,” said Gary Allore, president of Mercy Health Muskegon. “Now that all acute care services have transitioned to Mercy Campus, we are proud that Hackley Community Care, a longtime partner, will build upon a legacy that that started there over 115 years ago.”

Hackley Community Care has been providing patient care in Muskegon County for almost 30 years.

“Our humble beginnings began on the Hackley Hospital campus in a little brown house,” said Juarez. “We are now coming full-circle, and we are humbled to be returning to our first home, to continue and enhance the health of our community.”

Visit MercyHealth.com. Learn more at www.hackleycommunitycare.org.

BRIMLEY–Bay Mills Health Center has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Ambulatory Health Care, Behavioral Health Care and Human Services, as well as Primary Care Medical Home Accreditation by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards. The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects a health care organization’s commitment to providing safe and quality patient care.

Bay Mills Health Center underwent a rigorous, unannounced onsite review on last July. During the visit, a team of Joint Commission reviewers evaluated compliance with program standards spanning several areas including emergency management, environment of care, infection prevention and control, leadership, medication management, and rights and responsibilities of the individual.

The Joint Commission’s standards are developed in consultation with health care experts and providers, measurement experts and patients. They are informed by scientific literature and expert consensus to help health care organizations measure, assess and improve performance. The surveyors also conducted onsite observations and interviews.

This accreditation was achieved in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. It became effective July 2020 and is valid for three years.

“It takes a lot of time and effort to prepare for their visit and to complete the visit on a normal reaccreditation year, but even more so while trying to still maintain focus on COVID-19,” BMHC noted in a news release. “We are so proud of our staff for handling the pressures of the pandemic and handling the site visit. Without the hard work day-in and day-out, this accreditation would not be possible.”

MIDLAND–Michigan Performance Excellence (MIPEx) has awarded MidMichigan Health the 2021 Michigan Performance Excellence Award, the state’s highest honor for organizations that have demonstrated outstanding performance, leadership, and operational excellence. As a Michigan Performance Excellence Award recipient, MidMichigan Health is now eligible to apply to the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award Program.

“Receiving this top tier award by the Michigan Baldrige-based examiners is an outstanding milestone on our Journey to Excellence,” said Diane Postler-Slattery, Ph.D., FACHE, president and CEO, MidMichigan Health. “This award not only demonstrates our operational excellence, but it represents our focus on systematic, well deployed approaches to processes and results that are designed to best serve our patients and communities.”

The MIPEx award program is modeled after the national Baldrige Performance Excellence program. Both programs have a robust framework for improving the operations and performance of organizations of all kinds. To be considered for the award, MidMichigan Health completed a rigorous evaluation process that included a three-day site visit by MIPEx examiners to demonstrate continuous quality improvements in every area of the health system.

“The process to receive this award was nothing short of amazing as employees from across the system worked tirelessly to carefully examine and incorporate the Baldrige Framework into our workflows,” said Kay Wagner, D.H.A., M.S.N., R.N., vice president of quality and patient safety, MidMichigan Health. “The March site visit alone was extensive, but truly exciting. In fact, it included six examiners, 39 simultaneous work sessions, 233 plus employees participating in virtual sessions, over 15 areas were visited on walking rounds, and 260 plus documents were shared with the exam team. The time together afforded the examiners an opportunity to experience first-hand the culture of MidMichigan Health where our core competencies of a Culture of Safety, Collaboration with Others, and our Investment in People were palpable.”

Using the Baldrige Framework, MidMichigan improved many areas, including identifying its core competencies; strengthening its approach, deployment, learning and integration of processes; integrating a holistic assessment of the health system’s overall performance and results, as well as reviewing overall opportunities for improvement.

“MidMichigan Health exemplifies an organization striving for excellence” said Geri Markley, executive director of MIPEx. “MidMichigan demonstrates daily that it values people: patients, the workforce, and communities, even while responding to the unprecedented events of last year. MIPEx is excited to name the organization a top recipient in 2021.”

About MIPEx: Michigan Performance Excellence exists to enhance the quality of life in Michigan by helping organizations improve their performance using the Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence. MIPEx is a non-profit 501c3 organization formed in 1993 as the Michigan Quality Council. MIPEx uses the national Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence as its framework. MIPEx provides services by relying upon the support of many volunteers from businesses, education and health care institutions, and non-profit and government agencies. Volunteers receive training that enables them to provide these services and improve their own organizations. www.miperformanceexcellence.org