Health Care News

Grace Health (GH) is starting 2018 with a new model of care called Neighborhoods. What does this mean?  Patients are choosing a GH Primary Care Provider (PCP) whom they will see for most or all of their visits.  Each PCP works with a team of providers and support staff who know the patients and their medical history.   Each team makes up a “Neighborhood” and patients are seen in their Grace Health Neighborhood whenever they need healthcare.  Each patient’s Neighborhood will follow their health and suggest changes to improve their well-being.  Each PCP and care team will regularly screen for health problems that could go unnoticed, preventing serious health concerns later.  Regularly visiting your PCP helps you look out for your health and well-being.  We want to build strong patient-provider relationships that lead to improved health!

Calhoun County is one of several counties in Michigan being affected by Hepatitis A, a serious liver infection. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, pale stools, and jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and/or skin). The disease is spread through contact with infected persons, or use of illegal drugs.

How can you prevent the spread of hepatitis A?  If you are at risk, get vaccinated.  Talk with your healthcare provider about vaccination.  Also, practice good hand hygiene.  Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom and before preparing or eating food.  Finally, make sure you avoid sharing food, beverages, or other items like toothbrushes with others.  We can stop the spread of Hepatitis A in Michigan.  Learn more: http://www.michigan.gov/hepatitisaoutbreak

Renee Underwood and Sarah Russell of Chemical Bank present Linda Wetherbee, CPNP and Diane Craig of Grace Health with a check for $3,500 to purchase books for Grace Health’s Reach Out and Read, Early Literacy Program. New, age-appropriate books are given to children 6 months – 5 years of age by the provider during their well child visit.  The provider explains to the parent/guardian the importance of reading to/with a child – linking health care to literacy.

Grace Health’s Reach Out and Read, Early Literacy Program started in 2004. Through the generosity of organizations like Chemical Bank, Grace Health has provided over 51,700 books to children since the start of the program.  Chemical Bank stated, “We hope our donation will  help children develop a greater appreciation for reading, while at the same time help to improve literacy among the younger population.”

Grace Health staff raised funds to help those who have been affected by the recent hurricanes. A group of staff members (Jennifer Colberg, Melanie Gardner, Lori Wesner, and Lynne Olmstead) came up with a plan for various events staff could participate in to raise money for hurricane relief.  Throughout the entire month of October staff had the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets at a chance to win 1 of 6 gift baskets.   Staff paid to wear jeans on Jean Day, Friday, October 20.  Not only did staff contribute financially to the cause, but they also put their baking skills to the test and made several homemade items for the Bake Sale on October 27.  For every $1,000 raised, a raffle ticket was drawn giving a staff member 8-hours of PTO.  All funds raised will be given to Samaritan Purse for Hurricane Relief 2017.

Grace Health thanks the following community organizations for donating gift cards and/or items for the gift baskets: Finley’s, Fitness Loft, Keyes Auto Body, Minges Creek Salon & Spa, Taqueria San Francisco, Goodrich West Columbia 7 Theaters, Wirtz Family Popcorn, NCG Cinema, Barista Blues, Culvers, Fun 4 Us, Steak and Shake, Taco Bell, FYE, Sweetwaters’ Donuts, Continental Pastries & Deli, Biggby Coffee, and Lux.  Through the kindness of these organizations and all of the efforts from Grace Health staff a total of $5,798.50 was raised.  A big THANK YOU to all who helped!

Although National Midwifery Week is October 1 – 7, 2017, Grace Health is recognizing its nine Certified Nurse Midwives during the month of October. What is a nurse midwife? Some people may think midwives only assist during labor; however, they can do much more. Grace Health’s Certified Nurse Midwives, provide health care to women which means they perform physical exams, prescribe medications, order laboratory tests, provide prenatal care, gynecological care, labor and birth care, and provide education and counseling for women of all ages. They specialize in knowing the difference between normal changes that occur and symptoms that require extra attention. Evidence-based medical care is used when there is a specific concern for the health of mom or baby. Grace Health’s Certified Nurse Midwives work with women during pregnancy and respect the goals and choices of each woman and family.

Grace Health asked some of its patients what they thought of their Midwife. This is what a few of them had to say:

“I had the same midwife through my whole pregnancy. She is amazing. When I was in labor, she was there for me. She jumped in when I was having back labor pains and showed my boyfriend how to push my hips together to relief the back pain. She stayed by my side.” – Kaleana Kidder

“My midwife helped us so much during our labor experience, she not only made me feel as comfortable as possible, she also was there for Julian and had him involved (his main worry was being left out). I first met my midwife during the CenteringPregnancy they offer at Grace Health which I highly recommend. She was able to be there for my entire pregnancy and deliver my baby. We were able to build a special bond which made my experience so much easier. She coached me through the entire 7 hours without pain medication and she knew exactly what she was doing. I’m so thankful for my midwife, I couldn’t have done it without her. To anyone who is considering a midwife I promise you won’t regret it”. – Denise Carpenter

“I saw a midwife for my prenatal care. My midwife helped guide my decision for delivery planning and supported my choices. During labor, my midwife was extremely reassuring in an emergency situation with having to have a C-section”. – Lindsay Wriston

If you have questions about certified nurse midwives or would like to schedule an appointment, call Grace Health at 269-441-3443

In January 2017, Grace Health started a Mom and Baby Tobacco Free Program. This is a smoking cessation program targeted at pregnant women to improve pregnancy health and birth outcomes by helping women quit smoking during pregnancy.  Women who quit smoking are less likely to have a premature and low-birth weight baby.  Staying smoke-free after the baby is born extends a positive health outcome for women and their families.

To participate in the Mom and Baby Tobacco Free Program, patients must commit to quit smoking during pregnancy. Grace Health providers and staff meet with them regularly to discuss their progress and provide the support they need. We often recommend resources such as Michigan Quit Line, Bronson Battle Creek Fresh Start program and Maternal Infant Health Program.  Program participants who are successful in quitting smoking throughout pregnancy receive free diapers and a gift card.

Robin Cooper and Sarah Furdero recently graduated from Grace Health’s Mom and Baby Tobacco Free Program. Robin said, “I am thankful for the program and smoking is really important to stop when your pregnant.”   Although Sarah tried to quit smoking before, her baby gave her a good reason to quit – “I tried to quit several times but when I got pregnant the decision was to quit something bad for something good.”

To learn more about Grace Health and the services provided visit their website at www.gracehealthmi.org

Grace Health recommends that children have a yearly physical exam which is an important step in helping to keep your child healthy. To encourage parents to bring their children in for a well-child exam, children brought in during the months of July and August had their name put in a drawing for a chance to win a new bike and helmet.  Congratulations to our winners:  Avril Elliott, La’ Montiana Walker, Lamar Burton, and James Yeomans.  Grace Health would like to thank Meridian, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan, and Priority Health for donating a total of 4 bikes and 4 helmets for the drawing.

Grace Health Board of Directors announced on June 14, 2017 the appointment of Peter Chang, MD, MPH as the new President/CEO of Grace Health.  He will assume responsibilities on July 1, 2017 and will succeed Dr. A.J. Jones who is retiring at the end of June after over 25 years of service.

“The Grace Health Board of Directors is confident that Dr. Chang is the right leader to continue to meet the needs of our patients and the community we serve,” says Board Chair, Rose Miller.

When Dr. Chang came to Battle Creek 23 years ago, he wanted to live in a smaller town with strong values. He joined Grace Health’s team in 1994 as a Family Practice Physician because he believes it is important to treat patients as people – not conditions. This belief aligns with Grace Health’s mission – We provide quality health care with the belief that all individuals have the right to considerate service at all times, with recognition of their personal dignity – and is evident in the care he has provided for our community over the years.  He plans to lead Grace Health by continuing to focus on patients and helping to build a healthier community.

Dr. Chang served as Grace Health’s Chief Medical Officer from 1996 until November 2009 while continuing to provide care for patients on a daily basis. In January 2016, Dr. Chang resumed the position of Vice President/CMO.  He received his Doctorate of Medicine from the University of Kansas School of Medicine and became Board Certified by the American Board of Family Practice. Dr. Chang also obtained a degree in the Executive Masters Program in Health Management and Policy from the University of Michigan.

Grace Health (GH), formerly known as Family Health Center of Battle Creek, has been providing health care to Calhoun County, MI residents since 1986. GH is a dually-designated FQHC (Federally Qualified Health Center: Community Health Center and Health Care for Homeless provider). GH’s target populations are un(der)served, low/no income and un(der)insured persons. GH sees patients of all ages (both male and female), all races and ethnicities.  In 2016, GH provided more than 133,900 services for just over 31,000 individuals, approx. 23% of the county’s population (70.3% uninsured or w/Medicaid coverage), averaging 530 new patients monthly.  GH currently employs a staff of over 320. GH services include:  Family Practice, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, OB/GYN, Dental, Behavioral Health, ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat), Optometry/Vision Care, Podiatry and Physical Therapy.

The Battle Creek Cereal City Lions Club provided Grace Health (GH) a $5,000 legacy grant in conjunction with the International Lions Clubs Centennial Celebration. These funds are being used for the purchase of eye glass display cases. GH began providing vision/optometry services in March 2016 and added glasses on June 21, 2017.  Patients are now able to get an eye exam and glasses all at GH.  For those in need, the Lions Club and GH are partnering to establish an eye glass program to provide free glasses.

Grace Health’s (GH) new downtown Battle Creek site will open Monday, June 12 – giving GH two locations in Battle Creek. Family Medicine and Behavioral Health services will be provided at the new site located at 62 E. Michigan Avenue.  To begin, GH’s downtown location will be open for walk-ins Monday – Friday from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm – no appointment needed.  This new site will allow anyone in the downtown area to easily walk to GH to receive medical care.

Community members are invited to join GH for an Open House at the downtown location on Tuesday, June 27, from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm. People may tour the facility, talk with staff, and learn more about the services GH provides.

GH has been providing health care to Calhoun County, MI residents since 1986. GH is a dually-designated FQHC (Federally Qualified Health Center: Community Health Center and Health Care for Homeless provider). GH sees patients of all ages (both male and female), all races and ethnicities. In 2016, GH provided more than 133,900 services for just over 31,000 individuals, approx. 23% of the county’s population (70.3% uninsured or w/Medicaid coverage), averaging 530 new patients monthly.  GH services include:  Family Practice, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, OB/GYN, Dental, Behavioral Health, ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat), Vision / Optometry and Podiatry.