Pine Rest’s Pediatric Psychiatric Urgent Care is located in Grand Rapids, MI.
Hospitals are there in life’s most critical moments, supporting people at all walks of life and expanding access to care beyond the bedside. For children and families experiencing behavioral health crises, timely care can make a lifesaving difference.
The center, which is open Monday through Thursday from noon to 6 p.m., provides same-day assessments and short-term stabilization for children and teens ages 6-17 who are experiencing acute behavioral health crises. The Pine Rest team also connect families with the appropriate resources to avoid emergency room visits.
“Behavioral health challenges among children and teens have increased dramatically in recent years, and families across Michigan are struggling to find timely access to appropriate care,” said Mark Eastburg, PhD, president and CEO, Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services. “The Pediatric Center of Behavioral Health represents a significant step forward in addressing that need. By bringing together inpatient care, urgent psychiatric services and specialized programming in one location, we are helping ensure that children and families can get the support they need when they need it most.”
Since opening in early 2026, the center has supported an average of 12 children and families each day, providing immediate access to care for those experiencing urgent behavioral health needs. It’s projected that approximately 5,000 kids will be treated per year.
The building was intentionally designed to meet the unique needs of children and adolescents, with specialized programming and spaces for young patients and their families. By bringing together urgent psychiatric services, inpatient care and outpatient support in one location, Pine Rest is helping families navigate behavioral health challenges with faster access to coordinated, age-appropriate care.
Pine Rest is also working to expand specialized care for children experiencing eating disorders, substance use disorder and neurodevelopmental conditions while enhancing access to telepsychiatry services for rural and underserved communities across Michigan.
Visit the Pine Rest website to learn more about how their teams are helping children and families across Michigan access timely, specialized behavioral healthcare services.
Michigan hospitals have long prioritized infection control and prevention, investing in resources that strengthen safety and quality measures for their patients and staff. The MHA Keystone Center is committed to supporting these efforts.
Healthcare teams across the state continue to monitor for cases of Candida auris (C. auris), a highly transmittable fungus identified in 2021 that can lead to serious infections. Managing the risk is especially critical across long-term care (LTC) facilities.
With this in mind, the Keystone Center team enrolled 11 Michigan-based LTC facilities last year in a project aimed at enhancing infection prevention and equipping healthcare teams with the necessary tools to address the spread of C. auris and other emerging pathogens.
“We’re doing a lot of things right, but appreciate new eyes coming in to assess and give our teams unbiased feedback,” said Taryn Gemalsky, MSN, BSN, RN, director of nursing for long-term care, Memorial Healthcare. “We always want to protect our elderly residents who are at highest risk of vulnerability.”
With support from the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services and IPCWell, the project involved onsite and remote technical assistance for LTC teams to assess and enhance their infection control practices. As a part of this, staff and facility leaders are led through modules within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Infection Control Assessment and Response (ICAR) tool.
“Having an actionable plan with tangible tasks to hone in on is great,” said Bradley Moore, RN, manager of behavioral health and long-term care, Memorial Healthcare. “A lot of the staff have been a part of this work and it’s great to have their input on care improvements.”
Memorial Healthcare teams successfully closed every gap identified through the assessments.
“This effort has demonstrated how dedicated our members are to going above and beyond for their patients and communities,” said Joshua Suire, MHA, BSN, RN, director, safety and quality, MHA Keystone Center. “It’s been such a pleasure and inspiration to work with the teams at Memorial Healthcare who are clearly committed to excellence in the safety and quality space.”
Memorial Healthcare team members pictured with their honorary plaque of completion from the MHA Keystone Center.
The MHA Keystone Center paid a visit to Memorial, awarding their team with infection glow kits, enhanced barrier precaution signage, education materials and an honorary plaque of completion to celebrate their participation in the project.
“The collaboration and support from the MHA truly makes a difference,” said Gemalsky. “Programs like this are only possible through strong partnerships and we are incredibly thankful for their continued support.”
Hospitals show up for Michigan communities around the clock to provide care, support families and strengthen the places we call home. In honor of National Hospital Week, MHA teams asked members across the state to reflect on how others — whether it be policy leaders or the general public — can show up for them. Here’s what they said:
“National Hospital Week is a reminder that hospitals in communities across Michigan are here 24/7 for every neighbor — and we can keep that promise when healthcare affordability initiatives strengthen care, not weaken it. Communities and policymakers can make a real difference by stabilizing essential services, reducing administrative burdens like prior authorization, and helping to invest in the healthcare workforce. Affordability won’t come from weakening the healthcare delivery system — it will come from collaborating across sectors to strengthen it.” — Bill Manns, CEO, Bronson Healthcare
“The Save America’s Rural Hospitals Act is essential to protecting access to care for communities served by hospitals like Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital. By strengthening Medicare reimbursement, eliminating harmful sequestration cuts, and supporting rural EMS and telehealth, the bill directly addresses the financial pressures that threaten rural providers. These provisions help ensure patients can receive timely, high-quality care close to home without the burden of traveling long distances. Supporting this legislation is critical to preserving rural healthcare access, sustaining local economies and maintaining the health of our communities.” — Robert Mach, CEO, Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital
“McLaren Health Care and our subsidiary hospitals have been the grateful recipients of support from many different sources, ever appreciative for all of it. This includes lawmakers supporting a hospital’s ability to expand its care and provide for its patients by allocating funds to assist in expanding care facilities and services. Local businesses have offered incredible support during fundraising and sponsorship opportunities to help the hospital further root itself in the community, specifically their support for mobile outreach clinics. And it has been the community members themselves who generously sharing their time, if by volunteering at the hospital or bringing in trained and certified therapy dogs for the benefit of patients and staff.” — McLaren Health Care
“Throughout healthcare week, we are reminded that the strength of the hospital is directly tied to the support of the communities we serve. Our hospital is more than a place for care, it is a lifeline. Community support, whether through advocacy, volunteering or simply choosing local care, helps ensure that high quality services remain close to home. When we invest in our hospital, we invest in the health, stability and future of our community” — Karen Cheeseman, CEO, Mackinac Straits Health System
“On behalf of rural hospitals, Hillsdale Hospital would ask our policymakers to listen to their local healthcare organizations and providers about what resources and funding are most needed for hospitals across Michigan to remain open. We would ask for open dialogue between healthcare leaders, legislators and the general public so that everyone gets a seat at the table. Most importantly, we would ask that our patients have a voice when decisions are being made that have significant downstream effects on those our hospitals serve every single day.” — Jeremiah J. Hodshire, President & Chief Executive Officer, Hillsdale Hospital
“As the only Level II Trauma Center and Level III NICU serving the Upper Peninsula, access, workforce and sustainable funding are critical to our ability to care for a highly complex and geographically dispersed population. Continued support through stable reimbursement, investment in rural workforce development, and policies that improve care coordination and reduce administrative burden would have the greatest impact. Strengthening partnerships across communities and expanding access to services closer to home will help ensure patients receive the right care, at the right time, in the right place.” —Tonya Darner, Market CEO, UP Health System Marquette & Bell
“Our nurses, physicians and all our team members show up for our patients in their most vulnerable moments, offering not just care, but comfort, dignity and hope. Support for Corewell Health comes from recognizing our work as profoundly human, cherishing the lives and stories behind every patient.” — Corewell Health
A new partnership will combine hands-on clinical training with financial support for GVSU nursing students.
Every hour of every day, nurses provide care Michiganders can count on. As staffing shortages continue to impact various sectors of healthcare, Michigan hospitals are focused on creative solutions to strengthen and support this dedicated workforce.
One of the ways this is being done is by opening doors — and removing barriers — for those interested in the field. A strong example of this is a new partnership between Grand Valley State University (GVSU) and Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital that creates a new pathway for GVSU nursing students to go from classroom to bedside.
The partnership, announced in March, expands access to clinical experience at Mary Free Bed and combines hands-on training with financial support.
“This is an innovative program that places GVSU students at its heart,” said Linda Lewandowski, dean, GVSU Kirkhof College of Nursing. “Mary Free Bed is a recognized leader in rehabilitative care and will offer our students a clinical experience in which they can continue engaging in interdisciplinary care.”
Through this partnership, eligible students in the GVSU Kirkhof College of Nursing can receive up to $5,000 per semester for four semesters, helping make their education more affordable. In return, participants commit to working at Mary Free Bed for at least two years after graduating and passing their licensure exam.
Students will also gain exposure to the full scope of rehabilitation care through more than 120 medical and sports programs available at Mary Free Bed, working alongside therapists and rehabilitation physicians in a collaborative care environment.
Partnerships like this help ensure more patients will benefit from the compassionate care nurses offer during life’s most pivotal moments. This National Nurses Week and beyond, the MHA thanks Michigan nurses — past, present and future — who continue to show up around the clock, in every region of the state.
Hospitals are improving the health and well-being of communities through a care model that fosters collaboration between clinicians, patients and their support systems.
Person- and Family-Centered Care (PFCC) — often referred to as Patient and Family Engagement (PFE) — is an approach to care delivery that has been shown to improve health outcomes, lower costs, enhance patient experience and boost overall staff satisfaction.
“Relationships are at the heart of everything,” said Michelle Brady, MSHAL, BSN, RN, CPXP, director, patient experience and relations, MyMichigan Health. “While we have the beautiful benefits of technology, we cannot lose sight of the human connection. These [PFE] councils are a lifeline to continue humanizing care across the continuum. We have to keep the patient — and the family — at the table.”
Brady has been a registered nurse for 36 years and a leader for the last 15. In her current role, she supports the success of MyMichigan’s PFAC to ensure patients and families are at the center of goal setting and system decision-making.
Alongside Brady was Michele Mitchell, BS, MS, PMP, a nationally recognized patient advocate and breast cancer survivor. Following years of working in healthcare, being on the other side further ignited Mitchell’s passion for amplifying the patient voice in care delivery, education and research.
“Patients who participate in their care stay healthier longer,” said Mitchell, who previously co-chaired Michigan Medicine’s Department of Pathology PFAC. “This is not just the right thing to do — it’s the smart thing to do. The best care happens when providers see the whole person, not just the diagnosis. When patients are genuine partners in their care, everyone wins.”
The episode, released during Patient Experience Week, offers actionable ways for healthcare teams to implement PFE and uplift its value to hospital leadership.
The MHA Person & Family Engagement Advisory Council provides guidance and support to Michigan hospitals to extend and enhance PFCC across the state. The council is made up of MHA staff, stakeholders and advisors who work to ensure the voice of patients and families are incorporated into hospital initiatives and efforts. It also provides a great opportunity for networking, collaboration and sharing of best practices for PFCC.
The episode is available to stream on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, SoundCloud and YouTube. Questions or content submissions for future MiCare Champion Cast episodes and Hospitals Help articles can be directed to Lucy Ciaramitaro at the MHA. Those interested in learning more or getting involved in the MHA Person & Family Engagement Advisory Council may contact Erin Steward at the MHA.
Members of the Kalkaska Memorial Health Center team
Patients often feel most vulnerable during the transition from hospital to home – especially if questions linger, follow-up care is extensive or there’s any risk of complications. Knowing this, hospitals are finding ways to ensure patients don’t have to navigate discharge and recovery alone.
The Community Paramedic program at Kalkaska Memorial Health Center is a great example of this work. Based in the health center’s emergency department, the program supports patients during and after discharge in an effort to address concerns and prevent avoidable emergency department visits.
“At Kalkaska Memorial Health Center, our mission is to improve the health and quality of life for those that we serve,” said Jeremy Cannon, VP, chief nursing officer, Kalkasa Memorial Health Center. “To truly make an impact, we look beyond the four walls of our hospital and focus on understanding patient needs in their own environment.”
According to the National Library of Medicine, readmission within 30 days of hospital discharge has been linked to both short and long-term mortality. Proper care coordination before, during and after a hospital stay is critical for improving patient outcomes.
The program at Kalkaska engages providers across acute care, long-term care and primary care to identify patient’s risk for hospital re-admission. Team members often address discharge questions, concerns or confusion – whether it be difficulties managing acute or chronic conditions, missing resources at home, medication adjustments or new care needs.
Paramedics are available seven days a week to meet patients before discharge or contact them to schedule home visits within 24 hours. In the home, they identify barriers that may not have been apparent during the hospital stay and coordinate with primary providers, social work, pharmacy and the electronic medical record team to support comprehensive care.
“We are fortunate to have a hospital-owned emergency medical services agency operating through Kalkaska Memorial Health Center, allowing us to invest directly in the individuals who respond to our community members during their most vulnerable moments,” said Cannon.
Patients enrolled in the program have demonstrated significantly lower emergency department readmission rates. The work allows the teams at Kalkaska to better support patients and keep them where they want to be: home.
Michigan hospitals are finding innovative ways to improve patient outcomes and remove barriers to timely care. One example of this comes from McLaren Health Care and its McLaren Heart & Vascular Institute, who recently launched a first-of-its-kind cardiovascular screening program to help better detect patients’ risk for heart disease.
Launched in partnership with Bunkerhill Health and its AI-powered Carebricks platform, the tool’s FDA-cleared clinical algorithm detects indicators for coronary heart disease and aortic stenosis – two common forms of heart disease that worsen over time if left untreated.
“This is a very important way of finding the disease before it causes any problems for the patient long-term or short-term,” said Dr. Samar Kazziha, chief medical director, McLaren Heart & Vascular Institute, McLaren Health Care.
Heart disease remains a leading cause of death in Michigan and the U.S. In addition to heeding controllable risk factors, early intervention can significantly reduce the odds of a life-threatening cardiovascular event.
McLaren’s new technology has alleviated the need for time-consuming tests and imaging that traditionally have been performed to detect the presence and risk of heart disease. Now, clinicians can spot signals much sooner – even during routine testing for other, non-heart related conditions.
Launching a screening program of this size and scope would have normally placed added strain on clinical teams, including time spent reviewing charts, checking guidelines and coordinating follow-up care. Bunkerhill Health’s Carebricks makes the process easier by enabling AI-powered workflows that analyze patients’ records already on file, clinical guidelines and McLaren’s own care protocols. As a result, McLaren can expand access to early cardiovascular screening while minimizing added workload for clinicians.
“By using the clinical information already available to us, this program enables us to identify patients who may benefit from earlier follow-up, often before symptoms appear, and ensures they are connected to the right care at the right time — helping to close critical gaps in detection, improving those patients’ long-term outcomes and overall quality of life,” said Kazziha.
To learn more about cardiac care services, visit the McLaren Health Care website. Those with questions or content ideas for the Hospitals Help series may contact Lucy Ciaramitaro at the MHA.
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Healthcare remains the state’s largest employer of direct, private-sector jobs. With this in mind, hospitals are finding innovative ways to give Michigan students the opportunity to gain real-world exposure to clinical and non-clinical healthcare roles. Some examples of these efforts are outlined below.
McKenzie Health System Hosts Healthcare Career Exploration Tours for Local Students
McKenzie Health System hosts an immersive hospital tour for local ninth and tenth grade students.
The eight-week program provides hands-on exploration of health and human service careers across the Thumb region. During their visit to McKenzie, students gained a behind-the-scenes look at how a rural hospital operates and the many career paths available within healthcare.
The tour itself involved rotating through several departments – pharmacy, dietary, nursing, diagnostic imaging, and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation – and participating in interactive learning experiences designed to bring healthcare careers to life.
“These tours give students a meaningful look at the many career opportunities available in healthcare, right here in their own community,” said Nina Barnett, Public Relations. “We are proud to support the exploration of healthcare careers for local youth and to partner with the Thumb Community Health Partnership in building a strong future workforce.”
By partnering with the Thumb Community Health Partnership and local school districts, McKenzie continues to invest in programs that encourage students to explore rewarding careers in healthcare close to home.
Trinity Health Muskegon Hosts Schools for a “A Day in the Life of an Injured Student”
Educators and students from Muskegon High School and Spring Lake High School recently visited Trinity Health Muskegon to participate in an interactive activity titled, “A Day in the Life of an Injured Student,” where they followed the medical journey of a student athlete hurt during a football game.
From the initial scene with paramedics to the operating room alongside surgical technicians, students observed each step of care and were introduced to roughly 40 different medical and health-related professions along the way.
Trinity Health Muskegon colleagues shared more about their roles, required education, career pathways and practical advice. Representatives from healthcare colleges and Trinity Health Muskegon’s Talent Acquisition team were also present to serve as resources for the students.
“Many of these students have no idea how many career options exist within various healthcare settings,” said Jerry Evans, MD, emergency medicine provider, Lake Michigan Emergency Specialists and immediate past chief of staff, Trinity Health Muskegon. “Athletic trainers, paramedics, physicians, nurses, radiology and lab technicians, emergency department teams, operating room staff, computer support, dietary services, facilities personnel and so many others. Trinity Health Muskegon is devoted to strengthening our community and inspiring our youth to consider careers in healthcare.”
Covenant HealthCare Invites Recent Grads to Explore Hospital Careers
Covenant HealthCare created “Discover Covenant” in 2024 to expand knowledge of hospital jobs, grow local talent and help future generations make informed career decisions.
The summer program is a paid opportunity designed for recent high school graduates interested in healthcare. It runs from early June to late August, giving participants the opportunity to explore areas of interest along with those they’re unfamiliar with. Exploration periods are done in three-week rotations from 8 a.m. to noon, Monday through Thursday.
“As I worked through Discover Covenant, my love of helping people and feeling a sense of accomplishment was ignited during the nursing rotation,” said one participant. “I have now willingly changed my college major to nursing, and I am grateful for the time and money saved due to my experience with Discover Covenant.”
Since 2024, hospital employees and volunteers have hosted approximately 30 students – a handful of which have since sought employment or additional learning at Covenant. Those interested in learning more are encouraged to contact the Covenant team.
“This program has given young adults from our community the opportunity to learn more about healthcare careers and engage with our organization,” said Jill Jarvis, BSN, RN, manager, clinical development & education, Covenant HealthCare. “It has been a win-win for both participants seeking knowledge and guidance about their futures and for our organization, which is working to build pipelines for future employees.”
Hillsdale Hospital Awards Up to $50,000 in Educational Support to High School Seniors Pursuing Nursing Careers
Hillsdale Hospital’sDoris Whorley Nursing Scholarship allows eligible high school seniors to apply for tuition assistance of up to $10,000 per year for up to five years for an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN).
“Our hospital depends on nurses across every point of care and our mission with this scholarship program is to support their education, on-the-job training and long-term career development,” said Randy Holland, chief nursing and infection control officer.
The scholarship was named after Doris Whorley, Hillsdale’s longest working nurse who has been in the profession for nearly 58 years.
“Doris Whorley has made such an incredible and enduring impact on our hospital’s staff and patients,” added Holland. “On behalf of Hillsdale Hospital’s nursing staff, we are honored to carry her legacy forward as we train and guide future nurses.”
Program application announcements can be found on Hillsdale Hospital’s website.
Eaton Rapids Medical Center Hosts Themed Hospital Tour
The team at Eaton Rapids Medical Center recently hosted a two-day hospital tour for local second graders. To keep things engaging, the event was pirate-themed and included exploring the “Emergency Deck,” emergency department, a visit to ”Clean Hands Island” to learn more about the importance of handwashing and a trip to “X-Ray Bay” to see the hospital’s radiology equipment.
The tours are designed not only to ease fears associated with medical care, but also educate students on healthy habits and see members of the hospital team in action.
“We are so grateful for the opportunity to partner with our local schools to bring this experience to our second graders every year,” said Eleni Danford, MSN, RN, clinical education, Eaton Rapids Medical Center. “By opening our doors and giving students the chance to explore our departments, meet our care team and have a genuinely fun and memorable experience, we hope to build a sense of familiarity and trust between our hospital and the community we serve.”
Pine Rest Charts Careers in Mental Health
Through personal narratives, reenactments and hands-on activities, more than 200 Kent County students explored career opportunities in the mental health field at an event recently hosted by Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services.
“Pine Rest Beyond the Books — The High School Edition,” was an immersive program designed to introduce teens to behavioral health careers. Students from Kent Career Tech Center and several local high schools, including Byron Center, Kenowa Hills, Kelloggsville, Kentwood, Lowell and Northview, attended the event.
Amy Pierce-Danders, Pine Rest workforce development manager, said many students entering the medical field focus on traditional roles, such as nurse or doctor, without realizing the breadth of opportunities available. Other behavioral health job options include counselor, social worker, psychiatric technician, behavioral analyst and recreational therapist, she said.
“The goal is to get the students on campus where they can learn about behavioral health issues and discover these healthcare pathways,” Pierce-Danders said.
MI Hospital Careers Campaign
As a complement to the local efforts of Michigan hospitals, the MHA’s MI Hospital Careers campaign launched in June 2023 to expand interest in Michigan health careers. The campaign targets high school and college students, as well as working professionals looking for a rewarding career. To learn more, contact Katelin Wiersma at the MHA.
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