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TheSourceNews to use from Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial

Introducing Meleah Mariani, CNOPlease welcome Meleah Mariani, Chief Nursing Officer, to Gerber Memorial. Meleah has over 20 years of progressive nursing leadership service. Both her Bachelor and Master degrees are in Nursing and she is very passionate about the nursing professional practice. Meleah has rural and large health system experience — most recently with Allegiance Health—where she served as its Director for Nursing Excellence.

Meleah is excited about the opportunities to promote professional development, clinical excellence and Gerber Memorial as a hospital of excellence for patient, provider and employee experiences. She and her fiancé are currently house hunting to relocate to the Newaygo County area. In their personal time, they enjoy cycling and the Red Wings. Welcome, Meleah!

August 2014

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You are cordially invited …

Seventh Annual Newaygo CountyCancer Survivors’ BrunchThis event is hosted by Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial and the American Cancer Society.

Saturday, August 16, 20149 a.m. to 11 a.m.Tamarac, a member of Spectrum Health1401 W. Main Street, Fremont

At our annual brunch, hear about new treatments and programs that are bringing hope to millions of cancer survivors. Share stories with other cancer survivors, have a healthy brunch and view artwork by other cancer survivors supplied by Lilly Oncology on CanvasTM.

R.S.V.P. by August 9 to Katie Mata, 616.551.4061. Feel free to bring a guest.spectrumhealth.org/gerber

The Art of Survival

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Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial’s recent construction project to provide an expanded emergency department and outpatient surgery area is receiving local support from donors who understand the value of local care.

“Gerber Memorial is committed to taking care of its patients, and it also contributes to the economic health of our community and those who live here by employing several hundred people, having a strong community presence and keeping health care local for us,” explained John Buckley, President/CEO of Gerber Federal Credit Union.

Buckley feels so strongly about keeping the hospital viable to the community that he, his board and team decided to make a lead gift for Gerber Memorial’s latest construction project.

The $9.6 million project has taken almost two years to complete and includes a remodel of the pre- and post-operative area, construction of a new emergency department and a complete overhaul of the hospital’s main entrance lobby.

Story continued on page 5.

Business Supports a Healthy Community

John Buckley, President & CEO, Gerber Federal Credit Union, delivers first pledge payment to Travis Kroll, marketing coordinator, Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial.

4© 2014 Novo Nordisk Printed in the USA. 0314-00020303-4 May 2014

Date: Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Location: Tamarac, The Center for Healthand Well-Being

Admission Fee: FREE

Registration: Please call 231.924.7139

Website: spectrumhealth.org/gerber

More Information: Whether you have pelvic pain or other pelvic health concerns, this program is for you! Learn more about Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial’s PelvicHealth Program and Services.

If you have symptoms like vaginal dryness, irritation, and pain during intercourse, join us as our experts explain what you may be experiencingand learn what treatment options are available.

Do you believe in living your life with vibrancy? What’s stopping you?

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The hospital’s new emergency department includes the latest technology and care approaches to ensure the safety of our patients and the highest quality services. It will have its own dedicated entrance for emergency patients, as well as an increase in the number of treatment rooms. Patients will experience more privacy, improved sight lines with the nurses’ station and an improved flow of treatment.

Spectrum Health’s mission is to improve the health of the communities it serves. “It’s vital that we have local health care services as well as the connection to the Spectrum Health System,” said Buckley. “I sleep better knowing I have a good partner in health care just down the street. And I’m proud to be involved in a project that can help all of us in so many ways.”

Business Supports a Healthy Community (cont.)

Robert and Vivian (Brydges) Anderson built a life in Grant based on their shared belief “in loving family, caring for community, faithfully serving their church and helping others.”

Vivian, who passed away in 2012 at the age of 97, survived her husband by 28 years. Their last gifts to “helping others” came as bequests (gifts left in their will). One of those gifts was directed to Gerber Memorial. After careful consideration, the couple’s children decided to put the gift toward the hospital’s new emergency department and nursing education.

Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial’s two year, $9.6 million construction project, includes the remodel of the pre and post-operative area, construction of a new emergency department and a complete overhaul of the hospital’s main entrance lobby.

Story continued on page 5.

Bequest Supports Local Health

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Spirit Night Event

August 7, 2014 – Battle of the Blah-zzzPresenter – Mary M. Barr, RN, MSN, APRN-BC, Nurse Practitioner Sleep Disorders Center, Spectrum Health Medical Group

August 7 – Battle of the Blah-zzz

Sleep disorders are common for many in our busy stress filled lives. Do you or someone you sleep with snore? Are you aware of the impact of this on the health of you both? Do you have trouble getting to sleep, staying asleep or just always feel tired? This program should be of help. Plan to attend!

To RSVP call 231.924.7139. Seating is limited so reserve soon!

Fremont and Newaygo Practices Earn DesignationSpectrum Health Medical Group family practices in Fremont and Newaygo have been designated patient-centered medical homes (PCMH) for 2014 by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. The designation period runs from July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015.

This ranks them among a select group of primary care practices in Michigan who are improving health care quality by adopting the PCMH model of care.

“The patient-centered medical home is health care centered on the patient,” said Seth W. Wolk, MD, MHSA, president, Spectrum Health Medical Group. “We take a multidisciplinary, comprehensive approach to patient care, helping our patients meet their health goals and keeping track of all their specialist visits, test results and prescriptions.”

“With the PCMH model, primary care physicians lead care teams that work with patients to keep them healthy and monitor their care on an ongoing basis,” said David Share, MD, MPH, senior vice president, Value Partnerships, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.

PCMH teams coordinate patients' health care, track patients’ conditions and ensure that they receive the care they need. They offer extended access to the care team, coordinate complementary care (such as nutrition counseling) and help patients learn to better manage conditions like asthma and diabetes.

A recent analysis of claims data shows that PCMH-designated practices are succeeding in more effectively managing patients’ care to keep them healthy and prevent complications.

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The hospital’s new emergency department includes the latest technology and care approaches to ensure the safety of our patients and the highest quality services. It has its own dedicated entrance for emergency patients, as well as an increase in the number of treatment rooms. Patients will experience more privacy, improved sight lines with the nurses’ station and an improved flow of treatment.

The Anderson’s modeled their giving spirit for their children, Lynne and Dawn. Lifelong fruit farmers in the Grant area, Robert and Vivian made time for their community. Robert served on the Board at the hospital, as well as the Ashland Township Planning Board and the State of Michigan Apple Commission. Both he and Vivian served the United Congregational Church (UCC) in Newaygo while working the farm and Vivian raising the girls.

Lynne is married to Dave Robinson and both have continued the legacy of “helping others” with their lives through service to the Fremont Area Community Foundation (Lynne has been a Board member for nine years and served on several foundation committees), the Newaygo County Museum and Heritage, RIF at Grant Elementary School, raising funds for the Grant Area District Library and Love INC volunteers.

Dave, a nurse and nursing supervisor for 28 years at Gerber Memorial, serves on the boards of Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial, Grant Public Schools, NC RESA, as well as past church boards.

The idea of volunteering for all of these organizations is “just making someone else’s life a little easier,” according to Lynne.

And the “giving back” DNA continues in Dawn Anderson, the couple’s youngest daughter. She tutors math in the Grant High School, is a patient advocate and was the treasurer of the UCC.

The trio lives in two homes on the orchard/farm, with other family members living close by. They still love apples and continue in their parents’ footsteps with acts of “love, kindness and service to others.” The bequest to the hospital’s new emergency department will provide that to thousands of neighbors, family members and visitors to Newaygo County who require emergency services.

Bequest Supports Local Health (cont.)

Airport RunOn Tuesday, July 22, over 30 participants took to the runway in a one-mile race held by Tamarac, The Center for Health and Well-Being, at the Fremont Municipal Airport.

Spirit Night Event

August 7, 2014 – Battle of the Blah-zzzPresenter – Mary M. Barr, RN, MSN, APRN-BC, Nurse Practitioner Sleep Disorders Center, Spectrum Health Medical Group

August 7 – Battle of the Blah-zzz

Sleep disorders are common for many in our busy stress filled lives. Do you or someone you sleep with snore? Are you aware of the impact of this on the health of you both? Do you have trouble getting to sleep, staying asleep or just always feel tired? This program should be of help. Plan to attend!

To RSVP call 231.924.7139. Seating is limited so reserve soon!

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Nevonda Lankhorst, community volunteer, owns one of the most positive and happy attitudes you will ever come in contact with. This southern gentlewoman met her sweetheart, Burt, in Tennessee. Nevonda moved to Michigan when she was only 19 to marry him. Upon their arrival in Fremont, she got a job at Gerber Products and Burt opened a Surplus Store. An active life of customers, friends and co-workers, plus raising two boys and two girls, flashed by into retirement.

But resting wasn’t in the plan for Nevonda. She soon enrolled in an aerobics class, which she continues to attend, as well as exercising at Tamarac. Travel and golf were equally enjoyed by the Lankhorsts along with some good Canadian fishing.

She now gives her time in Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial’s Gift and Coffee Shop, ushering at the Dogwood Center for the Performing Arts and helping during blood drives at Tamarac. Her sunny nature makes her the perfect hostess at all the organizations she graces with her time. Being a hostess is truly her calling, welcoming customers and guests as if they were in her own home.

Blessed with good health, 13 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren, Nevonda shares herself and her treasures of time and talent greeting patients, blood donors and guests with conversation and an infectious smile.

Judy Hoezee is another Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial treasure. She worked as an LPN at the hospital for 20 years before retiring. After that, she and her husband volunteered for 10 years, providing disaster relief. Judy also became involved with MOPS and helped with numerous church and Christian school projects.

Story continued on page 9.

Volunteers - One of Life’s Valuable Resources

Nevonda Lankhorst, left, with Judy Hoezee tak a moment off from their volunteer duties at the hospital.

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This just in for Joyce VanSpronsen, volunteer, from Diane Wierenga, med/surg:

“On a busy Tuesday morning, Joyce was caught being very efficient! While passing out refreshments from the ambassador cart on Med/Surg, she thought to double check at the desk if a patient could have coffee. It just so happened, as Joyce waited for a reply, MRI called for the patient because of a doctor’s order. The patient was immediately placed on NPO (no oral food or fluids). Having coffee at that time could have delayed the test even longer.”

Great job, Joyce. We truly have wonderful volunteers.

WOW!

Volunteers - One of Life’s Valuable Resources (cont.)

Judy returned to Gerber Hospital eight years ago to volunteer in the emergency department, surgery waiting room and during blood drives at Tamarac. You can also find her wheeling the Ambassador Cart with beverages, blankets, magazines and many other items for patients and families throughout the hospital. According to Judy, “It’s evident that kind gestures, a listening ear and an encouraging word (are) valued by those I’ve met.”

She attributes her high energy level to the seven grandchildren that keep her moving, various exercise classes she participates in at Tamarac and the social atmosphere at the facility. Judy enjoys being able to take care of her garden and home, and plans to stay active with her volunteering as long as her good health allows.

Both Nevonda and Judy lost their husbands recently and value volunteering as providing a continuing purpose in their life. They both appreciate being able to brighten another person’s day—whether that person is staff, patient or a patient’s family member.

They are two of the many “valuable natural resources” volunteering at Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial.

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The Spa at Tamarac

1401 W. Main St., Fremont | 231.924.7800 | tamaracwellness.org

Skin Care and Make-up Class“Back to School”Saturday, August 23 10 a.m. to noon

Start the school year with the bestmake-up and skin care application.Esthetician, Tricia Grundy, will:

• Help you choose the best products for your skin type • Show you how to conceal blemishes • Demonstrate the importance of taking care of yourskin, products to avoid and skin problems

Cost: $10Hurry, space is limited.To reserve your spot,call 231.924.7800.

Participants will receive a 20% discount on

products purchased day of the class.

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Baby Food Festival Welcomes First Baby BornOn Thursday, July 17, Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial and the National Baby Food Festival welcomed the first baby born closest to the “secret time” chosen by the festival committee. Abbigaelle Ginette Parson was born at 4:04 a.m. to parents Marie and Robert Parson, and sister Meissara. Abbigaelle weighed 5 lbs. 7.5 oz. and was 18 1/2 inches long. The family excitedly received gifts from SHGM, Nestle/Gerber, Gingerly Clean, Hair by Joan and Co., Treasured Images and more.

Parson family surrounded by SHGM and NBFF staff, along with other donors.

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212 S. SullivanFremont, MI 49412231.924.3300spectrumhealth.org/gerber

The Source is published every month.Deadline for news items is Thursday at noon. Send to travis.kroll@spectrumhealth.org. To receive a weekly copy, send your e-mail addres to travis.kroll@spectrumhealth.org.

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Schedule of Events.

August 1. Blood Drive 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Tamarac.

August 5. National Night Out 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park in Fremont.

August 7. Stroke Support Group 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Tamarac. For more information call 231.924.3195.

August 7. Spirit Night “Battle of the Blah-zzz” 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Tamarac. See flier page 6.

August 9. North Country Trail Hike/Run 8 a.m. at the trial head on 1 Mile Road. For more information call 231.924.1884.

August 9. West Michigan I TRI 4 Fun 4 p.m. adult triathlon at Fremont Lake Park.

August 16. Seventh Annual Cancer Survivors Brunch 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Tamarac. See flier page 2.

August 16. 10th Annual Reed City 5k Run/Walk 9 a.m. at Reed City Hospital. Visit spectrumhealth.org/annual-5k-run

August 19. Community CPR Classes 8:15 a.m. to noon at Tamarac. For more information call 231.924.1192.

August 21. Parkinson’s Diesease Support Group 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Tamarac. For more information call 231.924.3195.

Silver&Fit® Now Offered at TamaracTamarac, The Center for Health and Well-Being, is now a Silver&Fit participating fitness facility! Silver&Fit is designed specifically to help older adults achieve better health through regular exercise and health education. Silver&Fit provides eligible members with no-cost or low cost fitness memberships through arrangements with certain health plans. Silver&Fit is provided by American Specialty Health Fitness, Inc., a subsidiary of American Specialty Health Incorporated.

“Silver&Fit is another way Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial and Tamarac show their commitment to improving the health of the community we serve,” said Shelly Johnson, vice president, community and integrated services. “The ability to come and use such a state-of-the-art facility is an important part of a person’s overall wellness plan.”

If your health plan offers Silver&Fit and you would like more information, contact Tamarac at 1401 West Main Street Fremont, MI, or call 231.924.1600. You may also visit Silver&Fit at SilverandFit.com. Silver&Fit is a federally registered trademark of American Specialty Health Incorporated.