In a videotaped message to the West Michigan community, Dr. Peter Hahn, President and CEO of Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, describes the fight against COVID-19 as the defining challenge of our time, one that offers everyone an opportunity to contribute.
Drawing from his experience as an ICU physician and as a healthcare leader, Dr. Hahn notes that the greatest minds in medicine, science, engineering and manufacturing are racing to find vaccines, treatments and innovative solutions.
These experts need time and that is why it is critical for everyone to practice social distancing and other precautions to limit the spread of the coronavirus. These actions buy precious time. Everyone has a role to play and every step we take here in West Michigan unites us to the global cause.
“The finest medical minds in our community and across the nation are working together on our behalf to develop vaccines and treatments,” Dr. Hahn says. “Brave and tireless healthcareworkers are being joined by an army of civic-minded people from all walks of life – people likeyou, resolved to do their part.”
People in north Michigan are not different at all from people in southern Alabama. Trust me, someone who’s spent a lot of time in both places. They’re all hardworking, simple people.
The 28th Street Metro Cruise organizers announced this week that Woodland Mall will be a second main event spot for the 2020 28th Street Metro Cruise. The new location, which will be open only on Aug. 22, will feature a wide array of collector, sports, and antique cars along with other activities. Of course the main event will remain at Rogers Plaza and will include many of the activities that are popular at the 28th Street Metro Cruise. For more information, click here.
Tag teaming against cancer
Stating Jan. 1, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, Mercy Health and Michigan Medicine launched the new initiative the Cancer Network of West Michigan. The initiative is designed to integrate cancer care services in West Michigan with the goal of bringing broader access to advanced, state-of-the-art, comprehensive diagnosis treatment and support across leading health care institutions. How will this impact patient care? Click here to find out.
Leslie Odom Jr. (Photo by Nathan Johnson)
‘Hamilton!’ Fever
If you did not get a chance to see “Hamilton!” or just did not get enough, the Grand Rapids Symphony has some great news: Leslie Odom, Jr. who originated the role of Aaron Burr in the musical will be performing with the Grand Rapids Symphony in its 2020-21 season. This and the symphony’s Classical Series lineup was announced this week. Don’t miss your shot by clicking here to learn more.
Happy Quasquicentennial!
Mackinac State Historic Parks mark its 125th anniversary this year with lots of celebrating planned throughout the year. Mackinac Island was actually the second national state park, designated in 1875. The park was turned over to the State of Michigan in 1895 at the request of then Governor John T. Rich with a condition: that the area remain a state park or the land would revert back to the United States. For more information on the 125th Anniversary activities, visit mackinacparks.com/mackinac125.
Metro Health – University of Michigan Health welcomes runners and walkers of all ages and abilities to participate in the 2019 Metro Health Race Weekend. For the 13thconsecutive year, Metro Health is the title sponsor of the Grand Rapids Marathon, and for the first year Metro Health has extended their sponsorship to include Run Thru The Rapids 5k, 10K and Family Walk.
“Metro Health continues to sponsor this event year after year because it encourages health and wellness in our community,” said Greg Meyer, Chief Community Officer, Metro Health – University ofMichigan Health. “This weekend is a culmination of athlete’s hard work and training, and Metro Health is happy to help participants celebrate and cross that finish line safely.”
All of the weekend’s races start and finish at the David D Hunting YMCA, located at 475 Lake Michigan Dr. NW in downtown Grand Rapids. The timeline for the weekend is as follows:
Saturday, Oct. 19
9 a.m. Metro Heath Run Thru The Rapids 10k, 5k and Family Walk
9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Health and Fitness Expo
1:30 p.m. Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Kids Marathon
Sunday, Oct. 20
7:30 a.m. Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon Wheelchair and Handcycle Division
8 a.m. Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon Foster Swift Half Marathon Pepsi Max Marathon Relay
Metro Health’s Sports Medicine team will be providing on-site medical attention throughout the entire weekend. They will be on the course prepared to assist runners with medical issues and help them safely reach the finish line. Metro Health volunteers will also be running several aid-stations, supporting runner safety and giving back to the community.
Leading up to the race weekend as well as race day, both Greg Meyer and Metro Health Sports Medicine physician, Dr. Ed Kornoelje, will be available for interviews. Whether it’s advice from an expert marathon runner or running safety tips, Metro Health experts have it covered.
Metro Health – University of Michigan Health and Versiti Blood Center of Michigan are hosting a community blood drive Thursday, July 18, to help combat the current blood shortage.
This will take place in the mobile blood bus at the Metro Health Farmer’s Market from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. An emergency blood shortage is prompting an urgent call for eligible donors of all blood types – especially type O – to give now.
Willingness to give the gift of life is perhaps more critical now than in recent months, and authorities with Versiti Blood Center of Michigan are hopeful community members will step up to donate blood. An emergency blood shortage is prompting an urgent call for eligible donors of all blood types – especially type O – to give now.
The American Red Cross recently escalated its call for blood and platelet donors after a difficult Independence Day week for donations. More than 550 fewer blood drives were organized by businesses and community groups than during a typical week. This equates to as many as 15,000 fewer donations than needed, causing donations to now be distributed to hospitals faster than they come in.
Metro Health and Versiti Blood Center of Michigan are urging community members to donate on July 18. All attempting donors will receive a limited edition pair of Versiti flip flops while supplies last.
Metro Health – University of Michigan Health receives a prestigious award in the use of electronic medical record technology to improve patient care. (Supplied)
Metro Health – University of Michigan Health has become the first health system in Grand Rapids to attain HIMSS Level 7 status, the most prestigious distinction in the use of electronic medical record technology to improve patient care.
The designation puts Metro Health in elite company. But the greatest accomplishments are the measurable improvements to the safety and quality of care – faster stroke treatment, more accurate medication administration and additional life-saving advancements.
These advances are supported by the hospital’s sophisticated use of information technology, which hasbeen a hallmark of Metro Health even before it became the region’s first health system to adopt Epicelectronic medical records in October 2006.
Examples from Metro Health’s case studies submitted to HIMSS (Healthcare Information andManagement Systems Society) include:
Speeding stroke treatment from 53 minutes to 29, enabled in part through Vocera technology.
Reducing readmission for heart attacks to rates below national averages through communication about EKG and blood chemical indicators of heart attacks.
Increasing opportunities to treat undiagnosed depression through automatic alerts to physicians based on patient questionnaires.
Improving diabetes management by tracking progress toward outcome targets.
Utilizing data analytics to support business decisions in choosing the best diagnostic tools.
“HIMSS Stage 7 health care system, as tracked by the HIMSS Analytics Electronic Medical Record Adoption Model,” said Phillip Bradley, Regional Director, North American, HIMSS Analytics. “The organization isalso validated as a HIMSS Analytics Outpatient Electronic Medical Record Adoption Model Stage 7 system.”
The designation covers electronic medical record adoption in ambulatory as well as hospital applications. Metro Health is one of only two hospitals in the state of Michigan to have obtained both ambulatory and hospital applications.
Metro Health already was in rare company, part of the roughly one-third of health care systems that had achieved Level 6 status. The leap from Level 6 to Level 7 is significant – only 6.4 percent of health systems nationwide have reached Level 7, according to a summary report in 2018.
“Achieving this level is like finishing the last mile of a marathon, or the final 100 feet of a mountainascent – it requires tremendous effort and very few accomplish it,” said Dr. Peter Hahn, President and CEO, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health.
“I could not be prouder of our IT team, clinical staff and operational professionals,” he said. “Thisaccomplishment was a true collaborative effort, spanning every aspect of our health care system.”
Here is how HIMSS defines the qualifications for Level 7:
The hospital no longer uses paper charts to deliver and manage patient care and has a mixture of discrete data, document images, and medical images within its EMR environment.
Data warehousing is being used to analyze patterns of clinical data to improve quality of care, patient safety and care delivery efficiency.
Clinical information can be readily shared via standardized electronic transactions with all entities that are authorized to treat the patient, or a health information exchange.
The hospital demonstrates summary data continuity for all hospital services.
Physician documentation and computerize physician order entry has reached 90%, and the closed-loop (barcoding) processes have reached 95%.
While Level 7 represents the pinnacle of information technology achievement, it does not mark the endof Metro Health’s journey in IT innovation, said Chief Information Officer and Interim Chief Operating Officer Josh Wilda.
“If anything, it’s just the beginning,” Wilda said. “Metro Health has long recognized and leveraged the power of information technology to deliver better health care. And we’re going to continue to lead the way.”
Now open: 56th Street reconstruction between Ivanrest and Byron Center avenues opened on Oct. 31.
By Catherine Kooyers
Community Contributor
In November, many gave thanks and many in the Bayberry Farms/UM-Metro Hospital corridor in Wyoming, who gave thanks for significant upgrades and changes that have happened to make a great community even better. And a special thanks goes out to those who worked hard in all weather conditions to make those changes, especially to the detention pond and 56th Street. It has taken years to identify issues accurately, get necessary approvals and funds, contracting, and much more to make all this happen. But, it was with total elation that we received the message from the City of Wyoming advising the work would be finished on Oct. 31, 2018 — and it was.
You see, a few years back, the area had a Master Plan. Over the years though, a change here and a change there added up. Collectively, those small changes resulted in the need for big changes and redirection. We recognized that development of the corridor east of Byron Center Avenue meant more buildings and parking lots. That in turn, changed absorptive rain catching fields into nonporous, concrete/asphalt patches. In turn, that resulted in massive water runoff crossing Byron Center Avenue into the Bayberry area. That all came home when the Gezon Fire Station was shuttered and falling into disrepair resulting in response times being high. Also around that time, we started noticing problems with the area’s detention pond…it simply was too small for the new growth.
The project included a new traffic signal at the intersection of Ivanrest Avenue and 56th Street.
Then, on Sept. 9, 2013, disaster did hit HARD. The area was hit with a measured 5.5 inches of rain in a very short, record-breaking time. The pond could not hold that much water and disaster was inevitable. The Bayberry Farms Village senior apartments were surrounded by deep waters…looking like an island as seniors were moved to higher floors. Several cars were flooded and lost as they tried to navigate deep waters on 56th Street. Runoff from 56th Street into the senior village was so intense it looked like flowing rivers and waterfalls. The Bayberry Farms condos and family homes were hit hardest. For example, the force of the rushing water knocked out slider doors and pushed heavy furniture across lower levels. Another home, had more than six feet of standing water in its finished basement.
Fortunately, no one was sleeping in those areas at that time or some fear they would not have made it out — it all happened so fast. Trails of debris from construction of the Veterans’ Clinic, garden mulch and Metro complex traveled quite a distance towards Ivanrest Avenue, clogging drains. And, as we tried to open drains, in addition to removing normal clogging materials, we were stunned when an albino boa constrictor came out of a drain!
A new widen sidewalk was added to the north side of 56th Street.
But there was little time for self-pity, this could not continue. So, the residents, businesses and City began working together for positive changes. We learned a valued lesson: No one wins by fighting City Hall, but we all win when we put differences aside and work together for a greater common good. The City not only listened, the City worked hard to make the needed changes not only happen, but that they were done correctly. It took millions of dollars and a few years, but Oct. 31 was the closing date of a special chapter in the Metro/Bayberry history books:
The small detention pond was dramatically increased in size and surrounded by protective fencing. After a few storms knocked down the new fencing, a different material was used that allowed for more air flow and has worked beautifully this year. This should meet the storm water needs of the area for quite some time.
The big changes came to 56th Street between Byron Center and Ivanrest avenues. The area was widened with more drain catchers and basins added to hold and collect runoff and rain. The old street materials, which were failing, left potholes and sinkholes. That entire stretch of 56th Street was totally torn up and replaced. Turning lanes were created. Residents endured months of construction and noise, but say the finished product is safer, better, and worth every bit of it.
Also included were much requested sidewalks and more connections to the Kent Trail system. Before, without sidewalks, the bikers, walkers, seniors, families crossing to the daycare center or stores had to walk against fast moving traffic, in traffic lanes. We knew that had to change as the area grew. Now, it is safer and easier for bikers, walkers and disabled in motorized scooters to get to and from the trails, shops, and restaurants. This is a vibrant, active community.
In the interim, new business entities came in or upgraded – like the U of M/Metro partnership and ReMax. The UM/Metro Foundation had generously provided significant monies and support for our Gezon Fire Station — like the heliport — training and equipment.
Working with Wyoming Public Works Director Bill Dooley and his team as well as ReMax, a much needed shortcut sidewalk was finished by the pond. This allows seniors with walkers and scooters as well as residents in the apartments, cottages, homes and condos more independence and access to local businesses.
So this month, the Bayberry/Metro area has much to be thankful for in addition to the normal things: City officials, like Mayor Jack Poll and Dooley, who let us talk, who listened, who worked with us; the many dedicated people who did the planning and hard work, the road crews, the landscapers…; the residents who worked together for positive changes; our special partners and businesses who give and do so much for our community. And, it would not be Bayberry if we did not extend a special “thanks” and gratitude for all our area first responders, UPS drivers, FedEx drivers, U.S. Postal carriers — all those people who quietly support this special area daily. So, this week, we give special thanks for significant upgrades and changes that have happened to make a great community extraordinary.
“I’m a Michigan State graduate, so when I took this job I knew there would be a lot of wearing of blue and gold,” said Strategic Relations Manager Chelsea Dubey as she walked through the halls of the Metro Health – University of Michigan Health Professional Building.
Blue and gold are not only the colors of Dubey’s place of employment but of the civic organization that she is very passionate about and recently was named president of — the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids.
“I guess you can say I am a Rotary junkie,” said Dubey, who is the youngest female to take the helm of the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids, which has been a part of the city for 105 years.
Yes, we said Rotary Club
“I think people have an image of what Rotary is,” Dubey said. “They think of a group of older, white men and it is very diverse, with members ranging from ages 21 to 92.”
And the professions represented are quite varied as well from small business owners to executives of large corporations with many being like Dubey, mid-level leaders representing their particular company or organization, she said.
“There are people early in their careers, those who have advanced, and those who are retiring or entering a different phase of their career,” Dubey said, adding that one of the reasons she has enjoyed being a part of Rotary is because of the diversity of professions, ages and career levels.
Chelsea Dubey is the Strategic Relations Manager for Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
Original from Michigan’s thumb area, Dubey and her husband were living and working in Memphis, Tenn., but always knew they wanted to return to Michigan, she said.
“We had heard a lot of great things about West Michigan and basically looked exclusive here to make it our home,” she said.
Six years ago, the couple moved back, settling into the Ada area. While she knew of Rotary due to her father-in-law’s involvement, it was not until Dubey started working for WGVU that she became a member.
“Basically my predecessor Phil Catlett (who is the current president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Western Michigan) had been a Rotarian,” Dubey said. “My boss said, ‘You have to be a Rotarian.’”
It made sense to Dubey since her job at WGVU was about philanthropy and making connections within the community. So Dubey joined the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids and quickly discovered how much she loved being a part of it.
“Rotary gives me so much joy,” Dubey said. “No matter what my mood is, those Thursday meetings just really make my day.”
Like many civic organizations, the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids has seen a decrease in membership over the years. At its peek in the 1990s, according to Dubey, the club had around 400 members. Today that number is around 220. Dubey said there are a number of reasons for the decline, one being that there are just so many more opportunities for professionals.
“There are organizations more tailored to your profession,” She said. “For example, if you are in fundraising, there is a fundraising professionals group along with the other possible civic organizations like Rotary,” Dubey said. The Rotary Club of Grand Rapids has partnered with many young professional groups to make those members aware that once they age out that Rotary is an option, she said.
People of action, not accolades
Another reason for the decline, is that Rotary Clubs and Rotarians do not “toot their own horn” so to speak.
“People are not really aware of what Rotary has done because we tend to want to do something but are not interested in being acknowledged for what we have done,” Dubey said, adding that Rotarians have been involved in much of the development of Grand Rapids, from its parks to its buildings and many area businesses, with the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids having included such members as Fred Meijer and Gerald R. Ford.
Following the lead of Rotary International, the Grand Rapids club has focused on the eradication of polio and clean water supplies with Rotarians traveling to countries to help install club-purchased water filtration systems.
Dubey said the group is also at the beginning of doing an iconic project for the city of Grand Rapids. What it will be, Dubey said she is not certain yet, but it will be a pretty significant investment into the city.
For now, Dubey is looking at her one-year term, focused on strengthening a couple of the clubs’ committees and inspiring members to volunteer locally and contribute to both the local and Rotary International foundations.
“I believe the reason why the Rotary has been around so long and that people have been able to be in it for 40 years or so is because it ebbs and follows according to your career,” Dubey said. “You can be as involved as you want or you can step back and just come to the luncheons. It’s what you want to do.
“Rotary has done a lot for me. I have grown as a leader from running a board meeting to presenting to about 100 people a week. It is the best professional development I could every have had.”
To learn more about Rotary Club of Grand Rapids, visit grrotary.org.
National Take Back is this Saturday with the City of Wyoming once again partnering with Metro Health-University of Michigan Health to provide a location for residents to dispose of unused medications safely and property.
Hosted twice a year, National Take Back Day was started in 2010 by the Drug Enforcement Administration to address a crucial public safety and public health issue. According to the 2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 6.2 million Americans misused controlled prescription drugs. The study shows that a majority of abused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet, accord go the Take Back Day website.
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., area residents will have the opportunity to dispose of unused medications with no questions asked at Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, 5900 Byron Center Ave. SW, or the Wyoming Public Safety Department, 2300 DeHoop Ave. SW.
According to a media release from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety “properly disposing of your medications is critically important to protecting individuals in our community, as well as our environment.”
Growing concern over pharmaceutical pollution in waterways and the environment also had an impact on creating the Take Back campaign. According to a 2002 analysis by the U.S. Geological Survey of 139 streams across 30 states it was found that 80 percent of waterways tested had measurable concentrations of prescription and nonprescription drugs, steroids and reproductive hormones.
The City of Wyoming also offers a prescription drug drop-off service 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday at its Public Safety office.
The Kent County Department of Public Works has established the SafeMeds Program that includes a list of many local pharmacies and law enforcement agencies that will accept unwanted medications. For more on the SafeMeds Program, visit www.reimaginetrash.org/safehomes/safemeds/.
It would have been easy for Metro Health-University of Michigan Health to just dispose of the huge banners created as temporary building signs when the two health care providers joined in 2016. But that’s not their way of doing business.
So, when permanent signage was placed on the healthcare providers’s hospital, located at 5900 Byron Center Ave SW in Wyoming, the temporary signs were put into storage and discussions started on how to recycle them in some way.
That is when Metro Health Foundation’s impACT Board, and a burgeoning relationship with Mel Trotter Ministries, came up with the answer — make blankets to help the homeless in our area.
On Feb. 16, a total of 145 weather-resistant blankets, along with several bags containing personal care items, were delivered to Mel Trotter Ministries in the Heartside of downtown Grand Rapids.
Dean Herried, Mel Trotter Ministries (WKTV)
“These blankets are going to be utilized by individuals and families here to help keep them warm during these cold winter months in Michigan,” Dean Herried, chief engagement officer for Mel Trotter Ministries, said to WKTV. “We are so thankful for our partnership with the impACT Board, with the University of Michigan Health Foundation, with Metro Health Hospital Foundation, for their generous donation of these blankets. We would not be able to do this without their help and assistance.”
The four original banners were made to be weather-proof — they hung on the hospital for more than six months and took a lot of beating — and, with the addition of the felt, the blankets now can provide some protection from the cold as well. Some of the material was also turned into bags to be filled with a blanket and other personal needs, also to be given out to the homeless through Mel Trotter Ministries.
“This really helps Mel Trotter fulfill our mission of showing the compassion of Christ through programs of restoration and rescue in our community,” Herried said.
In a different way, the donation — and the work put into turning banners into blankets — fulfills the mission of Metro Health-University of Michigan Health.
Trevor Mier, Metro Health-University of Michigan Health. (WKTV)
“This donation really came about as a result of us having a long history of sustainable practices at the hospital,” Trevor Mier, Support Services administrator for Metro Health-University of Michigan Health, said to WKTV. “We hated to think about these temporary banners being thrown away once we are done with them. So we came up with the idea of recycling them into something, but we were not exactly sure what that was going to be.”
The healthcare provider had some discussions, decided it would be a good idea to establish a relationship with Mel Trotter Ministries, through the impACT Board, to support the ministries’ efforts to help the homeless. And the idea was born.
“What if we took those banners and turned them into blankets for the homeless at Mel Trotter?” Mier said. “So we reached out to a vender we had used before in the past, and they cut up the banners into 3(foot) by 5(foot) sections, sewed a little bit of felt onto them, and turned them into these great blankets for those in need downtown.”
The goal of the Metro Health Hospital Foundation’s impACT Board, according to its website, is “Mobilizing community through change-makers, who use their skills and careers to drive vital change. … Many people want to make a difference, but turning good intentions into tangible impact can be hard. With the Foundation impACT Board, professionals and community do-gooders become the most effective change-agents they can be by taking on community health projects, volunteering at organizations with like causes and building a strong network of brand ambassadors for Metro Health Hospital Foundation.”
Drivers heading down Byron Center Avenue just south of Gezon Parkway may have noticed some large red balls on the utility lines.
Those balls are there to help mark the new helipad site at the City of Wyoming’s Fire Station and Training Center, located at 2300 Gezon Parkway. The Wyoming City Council approved an agreement with Metro Health – University of Michigan Health for the helipad at its Monday night meeting.
“I went out there and saw it all painted up, and it’s pretty impressive,” said Mayor Pro Ten Sam Bolt just before the vote which was unanimously in favor of the agreement.
The helipad is about 100 feet by 100 feet located behind the Fire Station and is visible from the Family Fare located next door. The helipad includes lighting, signage and wind cones.
The large red balls marking the utility lines which were put in preparation for the Metro Health – University of Michigan Health helipad.
The agreement is for one year with possible extensions. The agreement allows for ambulances, emergency vehicles and personal access through the Fire Station and Fire Training Center driveways to the helipad site. Metro Health — University of Metro Health contractors, employees, maintenance providers as well as patients would have access to the site as needed, according to the agreement. The hospital is located just a half mile south of the helipad at 5900 Byron Center Ave. SW. The hospital is required to carry liability and property damage insurance.
Councilmember Kent Vanderwood said he has been talking to friends who work at the hospital about the partnership between Metro Health and University of Health, which is just a year old in January.
“I’m talking to everyday employees who work there and they feel really, really good about it,” he said “So I think this is another step in that direction making it even better, stronger.”
City Manager Curtis Holt indicated there is a need for the helipad as he said he received a request from the hospital to use it for an emergency on Saturday before the agreement had been approved. Holt said he did give the go ahead with Wyoming Public Safety Director James Carmody indicating during the meeting that, to his knowledge, the helipad was not used over the weekend.
Metro Health – University of Michigan Health announces significant new clinical capability to provide comprehensive care for patients suffering from stroke with the hiring of three experienced, highly-trained specialty physicians.
Chief Medical Officer Peter Hahn, M.D., MBA, said expansion of the stroke physician team is evidence that “Metro is strengthening its comprehensive stroke care for the community and serving as a specialty referral center for the region.”
The new Stroke Center physicians include:
Augusto Elias, MD, the director of Neurointerventional Radiology, is fellowship trained in neuroradiology and neurointerventional radiology at the University of Michigan Medical Center, and is board certified in radiology and neuroradiology. He completed his residency in diagnostic radiology at the University of Michigan Medical Center.
Jeffrey Fletcher, MD, the director of Neurocritical Care, is fellowship trained in Critical Care Medicine at the University of Virginia. Board certified in neurology and vascular neurology, he completed his residency in neurology at the University of Texas Health Science Center.
Ravi Shastri, MD, is fellowship trained in neuroradiology and neurointerventional radiology at the University of Michigan Medical Center, and is board certified in radiology and neuroradiology. He completed his residency in radiology at the University of Arizona Medical Center.
These physicians join an established neurology team consisting of Kipp Chillag, DO, and Jordan Taylor, DO.
Any patient who presents with stroke symptoms is met by a team comprised of emergency physicians and staff, neurocritical care, neurologists, neurointerventional radiology, and neurosurgeons to assess and meet all needs.
Recently, Metro Health treated a patient who was found on the floor of their bathroom on a Saturday morning, unable to move, and showing signs of a stroke. Dr. Augusto Elias performed a minimally invasive catheterization and mechanical thrombectomy to remove a blood clot from the brain. Two days later, the patient was able to walk out of the hospital. Following outpatient occupational and speech therapy at Metro Health, the patient was cleared to drive and return to work within two months.
“A stroke is a ‘brain attack’. Two million brain neurons die every minute during a stroke,” said Dr. Augusto Elias. “As part of our comprehensive care, we collaborate with primary care physicians to educate the West Michigan area about having a sensible diet, controlling blood pressure and having a low glucose intake, so we can prevent these devastating diseases from happening.”
According to the National Stroke Association, more than 800,000 people suffer a stroke each year in America, and 80 percent of strokes are preventable. The American Heart Association recently announced new guidelines that a blood pressure of 130/80 is characterized as “stage one hypertension.”
Physicians in Metro Health’s neurology team support primary care physicians by meeting with patients showing neurological symptoms and conducting neural imaging to diagnose, and then working closely with the patient and doctor on a treatment plan.
Michael Faas, President and CEO, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, said the expansion in neurology builds upon an already strong program which received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines®
Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award with Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite Award.
Get With The Guidelines® sets specific quality measures to ensure hospital teams follow the most up-to-date, evidence-based guidelines with the goal of speeding recovery and reducing death and disability for stroke patients. To receive these awards, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health had to provide patient care at or above certain achievement indicators for 24 consecutive months.
Faas added, “The growth in our comprehensive stoke program, which includes new technology and specialty physicians to supplement our staff of neurologists, neurosurgeons and rehabilitation specialists, is just another example of the benefits of our affiliation with University of Michigan Health. Our physicians are committed to providing comprehensive stroke care covering all areas including prevention, acute care and rehab.”
Michael Faas, President & CEO of Metro Health – University of Michigan Health announced his retirement today.
Mr. Faas began in his role at Metro in July of 1994 and has just completed his 23rd year. Some of the more important milestones of his tenure include:
Establishing an early Physician Hospital Organization (PHO) which has now evolved into a CIN (Clinically Integrated Network).
The first mid-size community hospital in the U.S. to access EPIC – the gold standard electronic medical record now serving over 50% of all U.S. hospitals.
Employing the first doctors at Metro (currently 225 providers employed).
Establishing the first neighborhood outpatient facilities (putting doctors andhospital services into neighborhoods, now 18 locations).
Relocating Metro Health Hospital to a new site 8 miles from Grand Rapids toWyoming. First hospital in the state to relocate more than two miles from original location.
Establishing choice in the west Michigan market by affiliating with theUniversity of Michigan.
Creating Metro Health Village (dedicated to protecting the environmentthrough LEED projects).
Faas plans to serve into the 2018 calendar year as the search for his replacement is underway. The transition plan is now underway but expect no slowdown in Metro’s growth or moving full speed ahead on strategic initiatives. Faas commented that it was an honor and a privilege to work beside so many wonderful people who always put what was best for the patient and the community first. Those who wrk at Metro Health truly have always had a passion for what they do and how they do it, he said.
Metro Health – University of Michigan Health is elevating its already renowned spine program, becoming the first hospital in Michigan to acquire the Mazor X™ spine surgery system for minimally invasive procedures.
Developed by Mazor Robotics, the Mazor X surgical assistance system combines unprecedented tools and analytics to plan operations, as well as unparalleled image-based guidance during operations.
The system brings exceptional precision to minimally invasive procedures. Because they require smaller incisions than open surgery, minimally invasive operations result in less pain, less blood loss and quicker recovery.
“Minimally invasive surgery has been a major focus at Metro Health in recent years,” says Dr. Peter Hahn, chief medical officer. “The Mazor X will further enable our surgeons to achieve the best possible outcomes.”
Metro Health was also the first hospital in Michigan to use Mazor’s previous-generation robot for spine surgery, the Renaissance® guidance system.
“After completing more than 400 safe and successful surgeries with the previous robot, it was an easy decision to pioneer the Mazor X in Michigan,” says Dr. John Keller, section chief of neurosurgery at Metro. “This new robot gives us advantages before and during surgery that were not available even two years ago.”
Smaller incisions can pose a challenge for surgeons because the view of the patient’s anatomy is limited. The Mazor X system overcomes this challenge by providing a CT-based three-dimensional simulation of the patient’s spine, helping surgeons develop an optimal plan before entering the operating room. In addition, computer analytics provide precision guidance during the operation.
“Mazor X allows us to operate with greater accuracy, efficiency and confidence,” Hahn says. “We believe this is the safest and most accurate minimally invasive technology for spine procedures available.”
By Metro Health-UM Health/U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Scores of homeless veterans from throughout West Michigan are expected to gather for the second year in a row on the Wyoming campus of Metro Health – University of Michigan Health to connect with resources that can help them rebuild their lives.
The veterans will be participating in a Stand Down event coordinated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Held throughout the year and throughout the country, Stand Downs bring homeless veterans together in a single location to provide convenient access to community resources.
The local Stand Down will be held Friday, Aug. 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., on the Granger Green in front of the hospital at The Metro Health Village, 5900 Byron Center Ave. SW.
“We’re honored to host these veterans on our campus,” says Emil Hannesson, director of community outreach for Metro Health. “These individuals have pledged their lives to the country and now need the community’s assistance. This event is a great way to remind them how much they are valued, and that people do support them.”
Tiyanna Payne, a supervisor with the VA’s Health Care for Homeless Veterans program in Grand Rapids, adds: “Stand Downs are the nation’s most valuable outreach tool for veterans who are homeless or marginally housed.”
Nearly 50 service providers plan to participate, including federal, state, and community agencies, as well as veteran support groups. Homeless veterans will have access to food, clothing, medical care, housing assistance, job counseling, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services.
In addition, military surplus items will be available for eligible vets, including sleeping bags, rucksacks, cold weather gear and personal hygiene products. The event also offers breakfast, a lunch prepared by Metro’s chef, and free haircuts.
“Veterans won’t have to go from one agency to another to access the services they need,” Payne says. “For one day, everything will be in one place, and everyone will be here to provide them with aid.”
The name of the event has its origins in the Vietnam War, when “standing down” referred to soldiers being taken off the lines to rest and recover.
“Our Stand Down is designed to give veterans an opportunity to renew their spirit, health and well-being,” Payne says. “Here’s our chance to surround this vulnerable population with the services they need.”
The event gets underway at 10 a.m. with a Color Guard presentation and national anthem. The anthem will be performed by Joyce Jones-Davis, a nurse manager with the Wyoming VA Health Care Center. Lisa Martin, director of the Wyoming VA clinic, will follow with a welcome address.
This event is for veterans only. If a veteran needs assistance getting to the event, please call the Health Care for Homeless Veterans service center (616-356-1746).
The annual Health and Wellness Day returns to Metro Health–University of Michigan Health on Thursday, July 27, followed by the Metro Way 5K and 10K runs in the evening.
Health and Wellness Day will coincide with the weekly Metro Health Farm Market from 9 am to 2 pm. The two runs start at 6:30 pm, preceded by the free kids races a half hour earlier. All events take place at Metro Health Village, 5900 Byron Center Ave. SW.’
“From morning till night, the day is all about encouraging healthy lifestyles,” said Emil Hannesson, director of community outreach. “Our tradition at Metro Health is to support overall community wellness, not just treat illness.”
Health and Wellness Day activities include free screenings for blood pressure and body mass index, as well as information about stroke awareness, smoking cessation, joint health and hands-only CPR.
Also scheduled is a Chef Cookoff in which local chefs compete to create delicious dishes featuring Farm Market fare. This year’s chefs are:
Jeremy Paquin from Grove Restaurant in Grand Rapids
Vinnie Augustoni, director of dining services at First & Main, an assisted living facility in Metro Health Village
Zach Zost, Metro Health executive chef
Chef O (Oliver Hale), retired national healthy lifestyle chef, winner of Chef Cook-off in 2014
Cookoff judges include Wyoming Mayor Jack Poll, Wyoming Fire Chief Chuck Lark, Valerie Lego of WZZM 13 and two surprises. The chefs get started at 11 am; judging is at noon.
As Health and Wellness Day winds down, the family fun runs get underway. The runs welcome people of all ages and abilities, whether they want to compete or just take a stroll.
“Yes, there will be awards, but the runs are mostly about fun,” said Hannesson. “We don’t care if you run, jog, walk, skip or hop across the finish line. Just come out and get active.”
The range of participants extends to disabled individuals. In association with the local chapter of myTEAM TRIUMPH, Metro Health’s cardiac rehab team will push wheelchair-bound participants in the 5K. MyTEAM TRIUMPH is a nonprofit organization that gives disabled people the thrill of crossing the finish line in endurance events.
The kids races, for children ages 3-14, start at 6 pm. The Metro Way 5K and 10K start at 6:30. Shelley Irwin, host of the WGVU Morning Show, will serve as race emcee.
Kids races are free but registration is required. Advance registration for the 5K and 10K is $30 online. To register for any race, please visit www.metrohealth.net/5K. Adult participants may also register on site for $35 starting at 9 a.m. on race day.
Metro Health – University of Michigan Health physician, Jihad A. Mustapha, MD, FACC, FSCAI, is the first in the U.S. to complete treatment on a patient utilizing the LimFlow Percutaneous Deep Vein Arterialization (pDVA) System. The investigational device is used for the treatment of end-state critical limb ischemia (CLI) after all other efforts have been exhausted.
CLI can be a painful and limb-threatening for individuals who develop it. Common characterizations of CLI include pain at rest, ulcers, or gangrene in one or both legs stemming from arterial disease. Diabetics, smokers, and older individuals are among those with the highest rates of CLI.
“The only other disease with worse life expectancy than CLI is pancreatic cancer,” Mustapha, the study’s primary investigator, said. “Because of the mortality rate associated with amputations due to ischemia, a new approach to treat CLI is needed now more than ever. In the LimFlow study, we hope to help patients with no other options that are on their way to amputation.”
The procedure completed by Mustapha in July is the first case in the U.S. as part of an international feasibility study of the LimFlow system. The study is a multi-center, prospective, single-arm study conducted at three U.S. centers.
“The medical treatments being done at Metro Health – University of Michigan Health are pioneering,” said President and CEO Mike Faas. “I am so proud of the work of Dr. Mustapha, and all of those who comprise our Heart & Vascular team. They are so passionate about the work that they do—and are willing to push the level of care to new heights if it will safely and effectively increase the quality of life for patients.”
“I’m delighted that Metro Health – University of Michigan Health can lead the way in pioneering new treatments for patients,” Mustapha said. “This would not be happening here were it not for the vision of Mr. Faas, our president and CEO. Seven years ago we began work to fight the epidemic of CLI. In that time, our amputation prevention program has grown like no other in the country because the leadership at Metro believed in the pioneering work we were doing, and they recognized this work is improving the health and wellbeing of our community.”
Metro Health – University of Michigan Health will host Family Day Camp, an annual event for families coping with cancer, from 3-5 p.m. every Thursday afternoon, July 13 through Aug. 3. Camp will be held at The Cancer Center at Metro Health Village, 5950 Byron Center Ave. SW.
A free four-week program, Family Day Camp provides education and emotional support for families that have a loved one battling cancer.
“Family Day Camp is a fun, supportive environment that gives participants a chance to learn about cancer and its effect on the family,” says Metro Health – University of Michigan Health President and CEO Michael Faas. “It helps families form stronger bonds with each other, while also connecting with other families that understand what they’re going through.”
Each two-hour session will be packed with fun for all ages. The entire family is invited, from newborns to great-grandparents. Children may participate without an adult, though families are encouraged to attend together.
“We’ve gathered the best family fun activities from around Grand Rapids and brought them all to the Cancer Center at Metro Health,” says Laura Smith, Cancer Center director. “We want families to be able to have some fun together while someone they love is battling a disease.”
Activities and educational topics will vary depending on the day. Families can participate in one or all of the four sessions:
July 13: Someone I Love is Sick (about cancer)
July 20: Battling the Bad Guys (about cancer treatment)
July 27: I’m Still Me (about changes in loved ones and routines)
August 3: Happy or Sad, the Good and the Bad (how to express emotions and support each other)
Participants are invited to meet at the big tent beside the cancer center. There’s no charge and no need to register in advance.
Family Day Camp is hosted by Metro Health Child Life Services, a department that specializes in helping children cope with illness, injury and hospitalization. The annual camp is funded through donations to the Metro Health Hospital Foundation.
Metro Health – University of Michigan Health is now giving away free of charge the life-saving medication, Narcan, to patients upon discharge who experience an accidental or intentional opioid overdose. These kits are funded through a generous grant from the Metro Health Hospital Foundation.
Opioids, like heroin and common prescription pain medications, have been associated with overdoses at epidemic levels nationally. According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, more than 33,000 people died because of opioids in 2015. The Center also reports that nearly half of all opioid overdose deaths involve a prescription opioid. In 2015, Metro Health’s emergency department treated 285 drug overdoses with 190 of those being actual or potentially opioid related.
“Opioid use is on the rise, and so are overdoses,” said Dr. Marc Afman. “Overdoses can be accidental or intentional. We also know that if a person has one overdose, they are far more likely to have a second, and that one could be fatal. An overdose can happen to anyone. By distributing these kits, we are helping to save lives by providing education, community resources and Narcan; an antidote (reversal) for opioids.”
Metro Health – University of Michigan Health is distributing Narcan in nasal spray form. Narcan is a prescription medication used to reverse the dangerous life-threatening effects of opioids. An overdose is a medical emergency. Narcan does not take the place of emergency medical care, and 911 should be called when it is used.
The hospital’s goals for distributing these kits include:
eliminating the need for the patient to travel to a pharmacy to fill a prescription for Narcan;
removing any financial barriers that would prohibit a patient from obtaining a kit at a pharmacy;
educating the patient and caregivers regarding appropriate use; and
reducing the amount of deaths in the community related to opiate overdoses.
“At Metro, we want to be clear about one thing: we do not encourage the improper use of opioid drugs; rather, we recognize that Narcan used immediately by family and friends could save the life of someone they hold dear,” said Pete Haverkamp RPh. “We recognize that not all overdose victims are using illegal drugs, and whatever the cause of the overdose, we want to provide life-saving tools to those who may need it the most.”
“Our mission at Metro Health – University of Michigan Health is to improve the health and well being of our communities,” said President and CEO Michael Faas. “The focus of this program is to be proactive and do what we can to curb the spread of this health epidemic. That’s why we are so pleased to provide these kits—free—to patients upon discharge who have overdosed on an opioid.”
Each Narcan kit includes two doses of the spray. Instructions are printed in English, Bosnian and Spanish. Also included in the kit are instructions indicating how to recognize an overdose, initiating emergency response by calling 911, and how to administer the life-saving medication, Narcan. Additional information includes a list of community resources where an individual, or family member, can find local help, including support groups, shelter, food, addiction services, crisis lines and counseling.
Local high school graduate Jared Veldheer, now a player for the National Football League’s Arizona Cardinals, will return to the area to host the Metro Health – University of Michigan Health’s Jared Veldheer Football Camp. (Supplied)
By Jennifer Hoff
Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
Local high school graduate Jared Veldheer, now a player for the National Football League’s Arizona Cardinals, will return to the area to host the Metro Health – University of Michigan Health’s Jared Veldheer Football Camp.
The camp will be held Tuesday, June 27 from 5:30-8 p.m., at Grand Rapids Christian High School Stadium, 2300 Plymouth Avenue, SE. The cost is $20 per student, and is open to students from third through eighth grade.
Jared Veldheer, in a National Football League game for the Arizona Cardinals. (Supplied)
Veldheer is a team co-captain and left tackle for the Cardinals. In 2014, he was the team MVP. He is a Hillsdale College 2-time All-American and a Forest Hills Northern graduate.
At the camp, Veldheer teams up with area football coaches and Metro Health – University of Michigan Health Sports Medicine for the night of instruction.
“I’m excited to get back to Grand Rapids for another year of this football camp,” Veldheer said. “It is exciting to teach young athletes who have a passion for sports and are eager to learn. More importantly, I’m excited to share my message about playing multiple sports, eating healthy, and being a team player. My goal is to encourage all student athletes to ‘Stay in the Game’.” All proceeds from the camp go to the Keeping the Beat Program.
Dr. Ed Kornoelje, sports medicine medical director for Metro Health – University of Michigan Health will discuss with parents and athletes sports injury prevention.
“Athletics provide a great opportunity for students to learn many skills outside of just their sport,” Kornoelje said. “It is important for all student athletes, and their parents, to understand what it takes to be a healthy athlete. This camp provides a great platform to discuss these items.”
In additional to the on field practice, Veldheer will share his personal message on the drive, focus and discipline it has taken to be one of the best offensive tackles in the NFL.
All participants registered by June 27 will receive a free T-shirt and an autographed book “Stay in the Game — Jared Veldheer’s Journey to the NFL”.
There are some big changes for both the Kentwood and Wyoming Relay for Life events: the two have combined and this year, the Relay for Life of Kentwood/Wyoming will be at the Metro Health – University of Michigan Health/
The signature fundraiser for the American Cancer Society will be from noon to 10 p.m. Friday, May 19 at the Metro Health Village, located 5900 Byron Center Ave. SW.
“For the first time, we’re combining the Wyoming and Kentwood relays into one,” said event committee member Laura Smith, director of The Metro Health – University of Michigan Cancer Center. “We’re looking forward to a high-energy day that brings the community together to remember loved ones and honor survivors.”
Organizers of the event hope to raise at least $30,000, all of which will go to the local chapter of the American Cancer Society.
“Our theme is ‘We is greater than me,’” said Julie Helm, officer manager of Metro Health Ear, Nose and Throat, who also serves on the Relay for Life committee and is herself a cancer survivor. “There’s not a person you meet that hasn’t been touched by cancer, which is why this event is so important. The involvement of so many participants and organizations underscores how the fight against cancer happens on a personal level and a community level.”
Relay for Life events traditionally consist of teams whose members take turns walking around a track or path. Each team is asked to have a member on the track at all times to symbolize that cancer never takes a break.
This year, Relay for Life of Wyoming/Kentwood also invites individuals to participate, either by registering online or simply showing up the day of the event.
“We’re privileged to welcome the community to our campus and want to be sure there are no barriers to participation,” said Floyd Wilson Jr., chief administrative officer of Metro Health – University of Michigan Health. “Hosting Relay for Life is one way we can embrace our role as the hub of community wellness.”
The day also will feature a number of booths, games, classes, and special events at Metro Health Village.
“When not walking laps, participants will have plenty of opportunities for education and entertainment,” Helm says. “And even if you’re not walking, we invite you to stop by and enjoy the happenings.”
The day’s activities will kick off with the Kelloggsville High School Marching leading everyone on the first lap. Afternoon activities include a paint and pour canvas party at 2 p.m. with activities really getting underway around 6 p.m. with the survivor/caregiver dinner.
Other activities include:
· The Metro Health Mammobus will be on site all day for tours and free mammography screenings.
· A bevy of booths will be on hand, including a photo booth, cancer education awareness booth, and relaxation station featuring yoga and massage.
· A daylong silent auction—from 1-7:30 p.m.
· Wyoming’s Got Talent at 7:30 p.m. with a panel of judges featuring Eric Zane from WBBL FM 1340
· A dance party with band at 9:30 p.m.
The luminaria lap, Relay for Life’s most moving tradition, will take place just before the dance party. Walkers will be guided along their path by hundreds of luminarias lit to remind those touched by cancer that they’re not alone.
The traditional survivor and caregiver reception will also take place during the event. Those interested in participating in this reception need to RSVP.
For the complete schedule of events, please visit the event’s Facebook page (Relay for Life of Wyoming/Kentwood).
As of May 1, following a long-standing affiliation, Michigan Obstetrics & Gynecology, P.C., officially joins Metro Health – University of Michigan Health.
Formed in 1995, Michigan OB/GYN has been aligned with Metro Health from its beginning.
“After 20 years of working closely with the Metro Health system, the timing was right for us to become fully integrated as Metro Health – University of Michigan Health,” said Dr. Steven Lown, physician executive for Metro Health OB/GYN. “Because of our long-standing relationship with Metro Health, we expect this transition will be seamless for our patients. We look forward to continuing to serve our patients as Metro Health OB/GYN.”
Patients will see very little change during physical office visits. All physicians are remaining with the practice. Metro Health OB/GYN will continue to see patients at several Metro neighborhood outpatient centers. These include:
Metro Health Allendale
Metro Health Caledonia
Metro Health Cedar Springs
Metro Health Comstock Park
Metro Health Grand Rapids
Metro Health Hudsonville
Metro Health Jenison
Metro Health Rockford
Metro Health Southwest
Metro Health Village
Metro Health Wayland
The telephone number for Metro Health OB/GYN is 616-252-4410.
“We are delighted to have Michigan Obstetrics & Gynecology, P.C., join Metro Health – University of Michigan Health,” said Mike Faas, president & CEO. “Collectively our goal is providing the best possible patient experience. The team that joins us now is outstanding in their service. Metro Health – University of Michigan Health looks forward to continuing to serve families of West Michigan in this new capacity.”
