Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial Honors Legacy of MLK Jr.

Paid holiday reinforces commitment to diversity and inclusion
 
FREMONT, Mich., Jan. 11, 2021 – Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial will be honoring the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. throughout the week of January 18 by sponsoring blood drives, distributing food baskets and encouraging employees to volunteer in a variety of ways that will work toward greater racial equality.

For the first time this year, Spectrum Health also designated Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a paid holiday for employees. This change brings greater awareness to the racial justice efforts of the civil rights leader and reinforces Spectrum Health’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, both internally and in the community.

While hospital operations will continue uninterrupted, Gerber Memorial’s family medicine, OB/GYN and Walk-In clinics; lab; outpatient rehab in Newaygo and Fremont; radiology; X-ray; surgery; visiting specialty clinic; occupational health in Fremont; and medical records will be closed on Monday, Jan. 18.

Since 2013, Spectrum Health across West Michigan has organized volunteer opportunities as a way for team members to observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day and recognize Dr. King’s call for justice and equality. Last year, more than 600 employees gave of their time and talents, working at food banks, health care clinics, soup kitchens and other organizations.
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Instead of in-person volunteering this year, Spectrum Health is encouraging employees and others to spend time learning about the American civil rights movement, reading a book about diversity to a child or working remotely to assist a non-profit organization.

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