 Dr. Brett Martin brings his experience and expertise to Gerber, Ludington hospitals Physician specializing in sports medicine joins Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial, Ludington Hospital
FREMONT, Mich., Sept. 2, 2020 – Spectrum Health Medical Group officials are pleased to announce Brett Martin, DO, a new physician working within the multispecialty clinics at both Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial in Fremont and Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital. Dr. Martin is certified in sports medicine and family medicine and has specific interest and expertise in sports medicine. Dr. Martin received his medical degree from Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, Missouri. He previously worked at the Spectrum Health Integrated Care Clinic in north Muskegon as a family medicine physician and at the Spectrum Health Orthopedic Urgent Care in Grand Rapids. Prior to that, he worked for many years as a sports medicine physician with Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit and as director of the Henry Ford Sports Concussion Center. He was a consulting physician for the Detroit Lions and other Detroit professional sports teams as well as team physician for the US Skiing and Snowboarding Association. Dr. Martin currently serves as an assistant faculty member of both Wayne State University and the Michigan State University School of Medicine. He is a member of both the Michigan and American Osteopathic Associations, the American Osteopathic Association of Sports Medicine and the American Medical Society of Sports Medicine. “Dr. Martin brings a lot of sports medicine expertise to our region,” said Adam Perez, northwest region director of operations, Spectrum Health Medical Group. “Having served in specific sports medicine roles serving the medical needs of athletes, Dr. Martin will be able to provide a needed sports medicine-focused service right here locally. His patient-focused approach, combined with his clinical knowledge and skills, strengthens our team-based care and support for athletes in our schools and across our community.” “I’m excited to begin working in both the Ludington and Fremont areas,” said Dr. Martin. “My interest is to be able to help those who have sports-related injuries to get them back to health and activity, but also to help work with athletes and non-athletes alike to focus on lifestyle changes for optimal health and fitness levels. With so many opportunities for outdoor activities in West Michigan, there is a need to help people enjoy our beautiful area in a safe way, without injury. I’m looking forward to meeting people to offer that service.” Dr. Martin enjoys spending time with his family and particularly enjoys golfing, boating and skiing, although he is interested in all sports. He is now accepting new patients at the following locations: Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial Multispecialty Clinic—Fremont 230 W Oak Street Fremont, MI 49412 231.924.4200 In Fremont, he joins Brian Hood, DO and Caylee Bont, PA-C. Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital Multispecialty Clinic—Orthopedics 7 Atkinson Drive, Suite 200 Ludington, MI 49431 231.843.2664 In Ludington, he joins R. Joseph Grierson, DO and Eric Detloff, PA-C.
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 Ahh, marriage. About a year and a half ago the Pew Research Center put out some facts about marriage gleaned from interviewing couples. When it came to their list of reasons why people marry the top one, to no one’s surprise we would hope, was love. We were curious that 88% of couples listed this as a primary motivation. Did that mean 12% didn’t think it was important? In the past decade Newaygo County has averaged a bit over 300 marriages per year. These couples recently made their way to the Newaygo County Clerk's office in White Cloud to add their names to the 2020 stats. Congratulations to all. Sara Lynn Kiper, Newaygo and Jacob Howard Burkholder, White Cloud Savannah Joy Osborn, White Cloud and Brett Austin Slominski, White Cloud Scott Gary Luchies , Fremont and Sally Susanne Sovinski, Fremont Richard Hart Beyer, Fremont and Michelle Elaine Hambrock, Fremont Brandon Michael Klever, Bailey and Lynae Cay Lubbers, Fremont Amanda Rinzema, Newaygo and Patrick Simmerson, Newaygo “A wedding is an event, but marriage is a life.”-Myles Munro, Waiting and Dating  DHD#10 to provide monthly profiles
District Health Department #10 announces the launch of monthly COVID-19 County Profiles to our website to provide individuals insight into how COVID-19 has impacted each of our counties individually and jurisdiction-wide. These county profiles include monthly case data, known source of exposure, confirmed cases by week, a symptomatic versus asymptomatic case breakdown, common symptoms, and age data. The jurisdiction-wide profile highlights this data across all the counties as a whole and also includes data on race and ethnicity. “As COVID-19 continues to spread across our 10-county jurisdiction, we receive many questions about the characteristics of the cases in each county. While our Data Dashboard provides a great deal of information, there are still details the public wants about the cases in their counties,” said Jeannine Taylor, Public Information Officer for DHD#10. “Our hope is that these monthly summaries provide the public with additional information regarding cases referred to the health department over the past month and demonstrate the need behind practicing proper hand hygiene, wearing a mask, social distancing and staying home if you've been exposed to COVID-19.” District Health Department #10 is the largest geographic local public health department in the state, covering ten counties and approximately 64 zip codes. Developing the processes for pulling and analyzing the data took time, primarily because of the sheer size of the jurisdiction. The data is pulled from the Michigan Disease Surveillance System (MDSS) and covers only individuals who reside in a county served by DHD#10, including Crawford, Kalkaska, Lake, Manistee, Mason, Mecosta, Missaukee, Newaygo, Oceana, and Wexford. DHD#10’s County Profiles can be found at www.dhd10.org/coronavirus/covid19-county-profiles/  Kathy Sather, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Family Health Care (FHC), headquartered in Baldwin, Michigan, recently announced her plans to retire effective September 1, 2020. “I have enjoyed my time as CEO and will always treasure the fond memories of this organization and the great work staff does here every day, especially during this recent pandemic challenge,” said Sather. “The mission and vision of Community Health Centers and specifically FHC is what makes them successful in overcoming challenges and reaching so many successes in treating our communities’ health issues.” Sather, a Registered Nurse licensed for over 45 years, retires with 32 years of experience in Community Health Center work and served as Family Health Care’s President and CEO since January of 2011. Prior to that time, she served as the Chief Operations Officer of Cherry Street Health Services, a Grand Rapids-based Federally Qualified Community Health Center. Sather has served on various boards such as the State of Michigan’s School-Community Health Alliance (SCHAMI) and Michigan Primary Care Association (MPCA) in earlier years as a clinical advisor as well as holding an officer seat as the board secretary and a member of the Executive Committee. She began her career in a community health center with experience in migrant health as a nurse manager of clinical services in Sparta, Michigan. She earned her master’s degree in business at Davenport University and a bachelor’s degree in nursing at Grand Valley State University. “We will certainly miss Kathy’s leadership, and are grateful that she and her Leadership Team have positioned the organization to further a safe environment for both staff and patients and that patients will continue to receive the quality care they need,” said Bob Fisher, Chair of the FHC Board of Directors. Plans are in place for Julie Tatko to join FHC on August 7, 2020, to help with the responsibilities of CEO. Julie most recently has been the Chief Operations Officer (COO) at Cherry Health in Grand Rapids. Her duties there included the administrative and operational oversight of the organization with an emphasis on medical and behavioral health programming. “It has been a pleasure working with the staff at FHC. And I’m confident Julie will do a great job leading the organization one step at a time toward further accomplishments while our Board searches for a new CEO,” continued Sather. For the month of August, Tatko will be working with Sather on a part-time basis as an Administrative Consultant. Julie has many years of experience with the operations of Community Health Centers. Before joining Cherry Health, she was director of operations and enabling services at (MPCA). She has a Master in Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a Bachelor of Arts from Wheaton College. Upon Sather’s retirement, Tatko will assume the role of Interim CEO while the Board of Directors makes further search decisions.  Drive through testing was performed at White Cloud in mid-June Free Drive-Through COVID-19 Testing at Newaygo HS parking lot on Thursday; Baldwin HS parking lot Friday
August 7, 2020 – District Health Department #10 (DHD#10) is offering free drive-through community testing for COVID-19 on Thursday, August 13, in Newaygo and Friday, August 14, in Baldwin. In collaboration with the National Guard, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), Local Law Enforcement and Emergency Management, Newaygo Public Schools and Baldwin Community Schools, testing information is as follows: COVID-19 Drive-Through Community Testing Site Newaygo High School Parking Lot 200 East Street, Newaygo, MI Thursday, August 13, from 1:00 to 6:00 PM Baldwin High School Parking Lot 524 4th Street, Baldwin, MI Friday, August 14, from 2:00 to 6:00 PM
In addition to COVID-19 testing, DHD#10 is offering free Hepatitis A vaccines to interested community members during the COVID-19 testing clinic. For questions, email info@dhd10.org or call 231-305-8659. There are also other options for getting tested for COVID-19. Check out the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services website to find no-cost COVID-19 testing sites across the state.  Certified health education specialist Caitlin Mitchell-Schucker facilitating a tobacco cessation class. Gerber Memorial’s quit tobacco program gets top statewide award
FREMONT, Mich., Aug. 6, 2020 – Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial has been recognized with a statewide award recognizing outstanding community health programs in the state, the Michigan Health & Hospital Association’s Ludwig Community Benefit Award. Gerber Memorial’s Tobacco Cessation Program is one of only three hospital-based community health programs to receive the Ludwig Award. Gerber Memorial’s team is made up of Tobacco Treatment Specialists Michelle Klochack, RN, and Caitlin Mitchell-Schucker, a certified health education specialist. Gerber Memorial’s program seeks to decrease tobacco and nicotine use; prevent youth from starting tobacco and nicotine use; and advocate for policy change related to availability and use of nicotine products. The Ludwig Award recognized Gerber Memorial for reducing high tobacco and nicotine use rate within Newaygo County in 2017. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Gerber Memorial is offering its Tobacco Cessation “Quit 101” and one-on-one classes virtually or by phone. For more information, contact Klochack at SHGM Community Programs, at (231) 924-3275. To sign up for the “Quit 101” class, go to www.spectrumhealth.org/vaping, and click on the “Quit 101” box near the bottom of the screen. Gerber Memorial’s unique approach includes a strong community, collective-impact partnership; complete integration into the electronic medical record during medical visits; and a client-centered cessation program. The tobacco cessation team includes two certified tobacco treatment specialists who co-chair the Breathewell Coalition in Newaygo County, which focuses on tobacco and nicotine use education and prevention. They collaborate with organizations such as the district health department, Aging Well Coalition, Newaygo County Juvenile Court, Headway Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition, Newaygo County public schools and many community stakeholders who influence prevention policies. The partnership has aided schools in developing stronger vaping policies, helped youth plan health awareness activities, and influenced passage of local tobacco-free park ordinances. Using evidence-based practices and a flexible range of classes to promote maximum participation, the program engaged 68 people in one-on-one appointments and 13 in four-week classes in 2019. Compared to a 7 percent national quit rate in 2018, 25 percent of program participants quit smoking and 37 percent reduced tobacco use.  Exploring the wetland trail Newaygo-After months of unpredictability and constantly changing plans, parents are now facing the challenging decision over what school format is best for their children. Amidst caution with COVID, virtual options are appealing but often a barrier for parents with full time jobs or other responsibilities. To meet the needs of the local community, Camp Newaygo is launching a great solution, their Outdoor Learning Center! Jane Vitek, Camp’s Executive Director and a retired teacher, shared “We know how difficult it is to make the right choice for your child’s education this year. We hope the Outdoor Learning Center is a helpful, local option.” Students enrolled in any virtual school option can spend their school day out at Camp! Half of their day will focus on academic virtual learning through their school’s selected platform. Camp Newaygo staff will be on hand to supervise and encourage students’ self-guided learning. The rest of the day will focus on embracing all of the outdoor adventures Camp Newaygo has to offer like canoeing, wetland walks, climbing the rockwall, and other outdoor learning. The Outdoor Learning Center day camp program is open to children entering 3rd through 7th grades, but space is limited. Students will participate in learning pods of no more than 8 for both virtual learning and active outdoor adventures. Small learning pods and other COVID careful practices utilized successfully during Camp’s summer season will continue to minimize risk and provide peace of mind to parents. The Outdoor Learning Center was developed with Camp Newaygo’s mission of service to local children and families in mind. Parents can get additional information at campnewaygo.org/outdoor-learning-center/  July 17, 2020 – District Health Department #10 (DHD#10) urges individuals to seek medical care and not delay if experiencing symptoms of a serious illness such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, or dizziness. “Due to COVID-19, many people may be fearful of seeking medical care if they are having other medical issues,” stated Dr. Jennifer Morse, Medical Director for DHD#10. “It is very important that they do not delay seeking medical care if experiencing serious symptoms, as it may be a life or death situation.” Conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, and severe infections are very time-sensitive and require prompt treatment for the best outcome. Delaying treatment for a potentially life-threatening condition can be extremely dangerous, if not deadly. Data from Michigan EMS agencies from March 15 to May 23, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019, show:
For more information on where to go for care when sick or injured, visit www.whereforcare.info.  New Gerber CNO Nick Strait Shelby native to focus on empowering staff, connecting with community
FREMONT, Mich., July 2, 2020 – Nick Strait’s first day as chief nursing officer at Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial on Monday, June 29, was a flurry of meetings – some in-person, most virtually – with his new colleagues, absorbing new information and learning about operations. Mostly, Strait spent his day thinking about ways to help further personalize and simplify patient care. As chief nursing officer, Strait oversees Gerber Memorial’s nursing staff of more than 170 people, one-quarter of all employees at the 102-year old hospital. As CNO, Strait is also a member of Gerber Memorial’s senior executive leadership. “I had the pleasure of meeting many people, learning about Gerber Memorial and seeing all the great things we do here to better serve our community,” Strait said. “What was clear to me immediately is how inter-connected Gerber Memorial is to the community and how focused we are ensuring patients get the care they need when they need it. We’re striving to achieve this every day, 24/7, knowing that healthcare is a complex field and that most people want their health care to be simpler – all while a global pandemic continues to put many people at risk. Gerber Memorial can make a tremendous positive impact by walking together with our community through this unprecedented time and supporting families so they can be healthier and more resilient.” Strait said his goal as Gerber Memorial’s chief nursing officer is to build relationships based on trust with each person at Gerber Memorial. A related goal he’s set for himself is cultivating an environment where caring nurses and health professionals feel supported to grow. “We’re excited to have Nick join us at Gerber Memorial and share his passion for health care with our team so we can better serve our community,” said Shelly Johnson, Gerber Memorial’s interim regional market leader and COO. “As a leader, Nick has the technical expertise to guide operational planning and execution. At the same time, he also has the ability of a good leader to connect and empathize with the people he works with so the entire team can grow and excel.” Before coming to Gerber Memorial, Strait was director of clinical consolidation and EPIC activation champion at Mercy Health Partners in Muskegon. He has been a registered nurse since 2004. He received his bachelor’s in nursing from the University of Detroit Mercy, his master’s in nursing from the University of Phoenix and is in the process of receiving his PhD from the University of Michigan. He also has an MBA from the University of Phoenix. Strait is a member of several organizations, including the American Nurses Association, the Muskegon Community College Foundation board and the United Way of the Lakeshore. Strait grew up in nearby Shelby, and said he is drawn to rural communities. He still has relatives and friends who live in Newaygo County. Strait follows in his mother’s footsteps in a profession he loves, nursing. He is also one half of a health care household: His wife Sara is a nurse practitioner in the Muskegon area, where they live with their four children.  Tessa Grewe, a nurse and a mentor Gerber Memorial nurse recognized for inspiring student to commit to a career in nursing, caring for others
FREMONT, Mich., July 2, 2020 – Great nurses demonstrate their healing skills and compassion to patients and families every day. Some of them also inspire others to follow in their footsteps and commit to a life of service to and empathy for the patients in their care. For West Shore Community College nursing student Grace Alvesteffer, those two qualities combined inspired her enough to nominate Tessa Grewe, RN, and her mentor at Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial’s Emergency Department, for a DAISY Award recognizing exceptional nursing care. “Even if I was unsure of myself, Tessa guided me through it and gave me the confidence that I needed,” Alvesteffer wrote in her nomination. “Tessa has inspired me to go into the Emergency Department with her fantastic bedside manner and caring to help me learn. I will be a better registered nurse someday because of Tessa’s willingness to teach me and let me experience new skills. I am forever grateful for Tessa’s teaching and kindness. She is a prime example of what a great nurse should be.” A resident of Kent City, Grewe has been a registered nurse at Gerber Memorial since 2016. “Grace has so much caring, empathy and ability, and I’m confident she’ll be a terrific registered nurse who will provide exceptional care and compassion for her patients, their families and the community,” Grewe said. “As a nurse, I try every day to see each patient, know them and understand as best I can what we can do to make sure the care we provide to them is personalized and tailored for their needs. I’m honored and humbled that Grace is taking that example with her as she continues in her journey in nursing.” As a DAISY Award honoree, Grewe received a certificate commending her for being an “Extraordinary Nurse.” The certificate reads: “In deep appreciation of all you do, who you are, and the incredibly meaningful difference you make in the lives of so many people.” The honoree also receives a beautiful sculpture called A Healer’s Touch, hand-carved from serpentine stone by artists of the Shona tribe in southern Africa. Nurses may be nominated by patients, families and colleagues, and they are chosen by a committee of nurses at Gerber Memorial to receive the award. Part of a national program, the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses is part of the DAISY Foundation's program to recognize the super-human efforts nurses perform every day. Nomination forms are available at nursing stations throughout the hospital and patients can submit those forms either by placing them in gray boxes near those forms or by handing them to a nurse or other hospital staff. Nominating forms will also be available at the hospital’s main lobby, as well as included in admission packets. The not-for-profit DAISY Foundation is based in Glen Ellen, Calif., and was established by family members in memory of J. Patrick Barnes. Barnes died at the age of 33 in 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. The care Barnes and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families. For more information about The DAISY Award and the Foundation’s other recognition of nurses, faculty and students, visit www.DAISYfoundation.org. Patients, visitors, nurses, physicians, and associates are encouraged to nominate a deserving nurse by filling out the nomination form at reception located at the main hospital entrance. Completed forms can be dropped off or emailed to shgminfo@spectrumhealth.org. |
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