Tag: Trinity Health Livonia

Hospitals Help: Trinity Health Initiative Expands Access to Lifesaving Narcan Vending Machines

Member News, Hospitals Help
The teams at Trinity Health Michigan lead training sessions for staff and residents to increase awareness, reduce stigma and build confidence in overdose response.

In response to the opioid epidemic, four Trinity Health hospitals — Livonia, Oakland, Livingston and Ann Arbor — launched a regional initiative to expand access to Narcan (naloxone), a lifesaving medication that reverses opioid overdoses. Through the installation of free Narcan vending machines, these hospitals are providing 24/7 access to a critical resource that can restore breathing and prevent fatal outcomes during overdose emergencies.

At Trinity Health Oakland, community health workers play a pivotal role in the success of this initiative. Their deep connections within the community enabled strategic placement of the vending machine in a high-need area and guidance on outreach and education efforts. They also lead training sessions for staff and residents to increase awareness, reduce stigma and build confidence in overdose response.

Since its installation in March 2025, the unit has played a critical role in potentially saving 76 lives — a powerful testament to the importance of accessible intervention tools and community engagement. At the other Trinity Health Southeast Michigan hospitals — Livonia, Livingston and Ann Arbor — the Narcan vending machines were deployed through the efforts of community health and well-being directors, who identified key locations and coordinated implementation to ensure broad access across the region. By removing barriers to access and empowering individuals with the tools and knowledge to respond to opioid overdoses, the program is saving lives and improving well-being across Southeast Michigan.

“This work is deeply personal,” said Chiquita Berg, MD, MBA, FACOG, vice president of community, health and well-being, Trinity Health Michigan. “I’ve seen the heartbreak that substance use disorder brings and I’ve also seen the strength it takes to recover. At Trinity Health Michigan, we’re committed to meeting people with compassion, not judgment. Through bold leadership and trusted partnerships, we’re creating pathways to healing and sending a clear message: every life is worth saving, and every person deserves a future filled with hope.”

To read more positive hospital stories, check out more Hospitals Help webpage and the 2025 Community Impact Report. Members with questions may contact Lucy Ciaramitaro at the MHA.

Hospital Executives Recognized for Outstanding Leadership

Member News

The MHA announced the winners of its 2025 Healthcare Leadership Award June 26 during its Annual Membership Meeting. Each year, the MHA recognizes outstanding individuals who have provided exceptional leadership to healthcare organizations and to the health and well-being of the community. The 2025 recipients are Ben Frederick, associate vice president, advocacy and government relations, Memorial Healthcare, Owosso; and Rosalie Tocco-Bradley, MD, PhD, chief clinical officer, Trinity Health Michigan, Livonia. The MHA will donate $1,000 on behalf of each award winner to the charity of their choice. These funds were provided to the MHA by the family of former MHA President H. Allen Barth.

Ben Frederick, associate vice president, advocacy and government relations, Memorial Healthcare, Owosso

Frederick has played a pivotal role in securing funding, advocating for policy changes and strengthening provider network integration since he joined Memorial Healthcare in January 2023. His strategic efforts have significantly expanded access to essential services, including behavioral health, maternal care and workforce development. Through his efforts, funding was secured that renovated the operating room suite in the labor and delivery unit, expanded Memorial Healthcare’s inpatient behavioral health services and supported the Memorial Childcare Academy to provide accessible childcare for healthcare employees and to local families. Frederick also established a partnership with Saginaw Valley State University to expand higher education opportunities to Memorial Healthcare employees.

In his role overseeing advocacy and government relations, Frederick can successfully navigate complex regulatory environments, ensuring the hospital remains a financially viable, rural, nonprofit, independent institution. He has worked closely with the MHA and other member hospitals and health systems in advocating for protecting the 340B program at the state level, while engaging with policymakers about the challenges and opportunities facing rural healthcare providers.

Frederick had decades of service before joining Memorial Healthcare, including as a member of the Owosso City Council, Mayor of Owosso and state representative of the 85th District. He is currently involved in numerous Shiawassee County community-based non-profit initiatives. Frederick has asked for his $1,000 monetary award go to the Michigan Brain Injury Provider Council in honor of Tristan McMillan.

Rosalie Tocco-Bradley, MD, PhD, chief clinical officer, Trinity Health Michigan, Livonia

Dr. Tocco-Bradley has been instrumental in shaping Trinity Health Michigan’s vision and operationalizing and improving clinical integration, streamlining workflows and ensuring clinicians across the organization have immediate access to patients’ data. She is a driving force behind the implementation of initiatives to address opioid use disorder, enhance population health and served as the incident command chief during the COVID-19 pandemic.

One of her key accomplishments is leading the implementation of TogetherCare, Trinity Health’s first and largest go-live of an electronic health record. TogetherCare has enhanced efficiency and the overall patient experience across all care settings. She has also worked closely in developing new opioid initiatives and advocating for comprehensive strategies to prevent opioid misuse that has brought together not only healthcare professionals, but also public health agencies, advocacy organizations and community groups to address the issue. Dr. Tocco-Bradley also worked very closely with the MHA during the pandemic, providing vital clinical feedback that informed the MHA’s efforts to make sure hospitals and healthcare workers had the resources and regulatory environment to provide care to their patients.

Dr. Tocco-Bradley has left an indelible mark on Trinity Health Michigan, as she is retiring June 30 from her role. At Dr. Tocco-Bradley’s request, the $1,000 monetary portion of the award will go to the St. Louis Center.

The MHA congratulates the winners of the 2025 MHA Healthcare Leadership Award.