SPECTRUM HEALTH

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – The mother of a teen who needs a kidney transplant is suing Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital over its policy that transplant patients be vaccinated against COVID-19. The lawsuit asks a judge to issue permanent injunction barring Spectrum Health from requiring the girl, 17, to receive the COVID-19 vaccine – and other vaccinations – before she is evaluated for a kidney transplant. Due to patient privacy concerns, we are unable to discuss specific patient situations,” Spectrum Health said in a statement to MLive/The Grand Rapids Press. Jenna Campau of Fennville filed the lawsuit Friday, May 13, in U.S. District Court in Grand Rapids. The lawsuit states doctors have determined that the girl, identified by initials, A.C., will need a kidney transplant.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — A newly launched health system by Spectrum Health and Beaumont Health will invest $19 million to launch a nursing education partnership with Grand Valley State University. The BHSH Spectrum Health West Michigan Nurse Scholar program is being created to address a “severe talent shortage in nursing,” according to a news release. It aims to address the talent shortage by removing financial barriers to college and creating a smoother path to employment at Spectrum Health. “This program is a huge leap forward and a model for other high need fields.”Spectrum Health and Beaumont Health launched their new, combined health system on Feb. 1. The new health system has more than 64,000 employees, including more than 11,500 physicians and more than 15,000 nurses, as well as 22 hospitals and more than 300 outpatient locations.

“We weren’t a healthy population coming into this,” Skrynski said. In 1990, the state and national adult obesity rates were below 15%. The pandemic has also brought attention to social and racial disparities in public health, and those inequities have played out in obesity rates as well. Last fall, the CDC broke down obesity rates along racial lines to note disparities in the data. “COVID doesn’t always spare the young and healthy people, but it does spare vaccinated folks from hospitalization and death,” she said.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Southbound U.S. 131 is closed because of a crash Tuesday night. The southbound part of the freeway is closed at Hall Street, exit 83A, because of a crash before 5:45 p.m., March 22, the Michigan Department of Transportation said. Traffic is backed up for miles, according to the MDOT Drive Map. There is no additional information available at this time. More from MLive:GM announces recall of 740K SUVs as headlights are too bright for other drivers$10M in state incentives approved for Spectrum Health’s planned $97.8M office developmentPolice urge residents in Grand Haven subdivision to shelter in place after shots fired

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — A state board on Tuesday approved $10 million in brownfield incentives for an eight-story office building Spectrum Health is building on Monroe Avenue NW in downtown Grand Rapids. The incentives approved by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) Strategic Fund board can be used to reimburse Spectrum for eligible activities, such as site preparation, associated with the $98.7 million project. The project includes the construction of the office building, two seven-story parking structures, and renovation’s made to the Brass Works Building, which Spectrum purchased in early 2021. Spectrum’s new office building is being constructed adjacent to the Brass Works Building, 648 Monroe Ave. NW. In addition to the state brownfield incentives, the city of Grand Rapids previously approved $6.2 million in local brownfield incentives for the project.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Spectrum Health is teaming up with Michigan State University to identify which COVID-19 variants are circulating in West Michigan. The grant was funded by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Typically, when Spectrum tests a patient for COVID-19, the test doesn’t identify which variant an individual has, he said. Michigan Technological University, University of Michigan and Wayne State University also received a portion of the $18.5 million grant. The share of grant awarded to MSU is $2.5 million, Caulfield said.

As a Spectrum Health nurse, Bobbi Jo Whitefield knows the hospital can be a tense environment for patients and families alike. But over the course of the coronavirus pandemic, she and her colleagues have felt firsthand an increase in violence and harassment against frontline healthcare workers. Violence and harassment against healthcare workers has skyrocketed at Spectrum hospitals throughout West Michigan, according to data provided by the health system. At Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids, Spectrum’s largest hospital, healthcare workers called security 335 times in 2020 to report violence or harassment, up from 223 in 2019. While healthcare workers understand and empathize with patients and families who are upset with visitor restrictions, they’re asking the public for patience and respect.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Spectrum Health and Southfield-based Beaumont Health say they have completed their merger, first announced in June, and are set to begin operating as a unified health system on Tuesday, Feb. 1. The new health system will have offices in Grand Rapids and Southfield, and will be led by Tina Freese Decker, who has served as Spectrum’s president and CEO since September 2018. It will have more than 64,000 employees, 22 hospitals and more than 300 outpatient locations. The new health system will temporarily be known as BHSH System.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Spectrum Health and Beaumont Health say they will launch a new, combined health system on Feb. 1. Related: Spectrum Health, Beaumont Health explore merger to create massive systemTina Freese Decker, president and CEO of Spectrum Health, will lead the new health system, which is temporarily being called BHSH System. “As we launch our new health system, we have a bold goal to transform health and are thrilled to unite our two great organizations. Leaders from Spectrum and Beaumont are slated to discuss the new health system at a 1 p.m. news conference. Read more:Former Spectrum Health CFO sees ‘potential for massive financial loss’ in Beaumont merger52-unit, income-restricted apartment building planned for Grand Rapids neighborhoodWhat you need to know about the Michigan International Auto Show returning to Grand Rapids

Two of the state's largest health care providers have merged to form a new nonprofit health system.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Spectrum Health on Thursday announced it will invest $151 million to build three, new patient care buildings in West Michigan, including an 11-story ambulatory care center on the Medical Mile in downtown Grand Rapids. “Providing our communities with care that is high-quality and convenient, particularly for outpatient services, is essential to helping people live healthier lives,” Tina Freese Decker, president & CEO of Spectrum, said in a statement. The building currently at the site, Spectrum’s Cook Institute building, will be demolished to make way for the new structure. The 15,800 square foot building will house Spectrum’s Lakeview Family Medicine practice, as well as outpatient rehabilitation, a walk-in clinic, and specialty care services. Read more:Proposed affordable housing development in Grand Rapids will require zoning changesWhitmer creates new state office to direct spending from federal infrastructure lawVehicle involved in fatal I-94 hit-and-run could show up at an autobody shop, police say

The new drugs ‘can’t come soon enough,’ says Florida doctor.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Spectrum Health leaders are hopeful after a recent dip in COVID-19 hospitalizations at the health system’s 14 hospitals. Spectrum Health reached an all-time high of 491 COVID-19 patients on Dec. 13, but the number has dropped to 374 as of Dec. 24.

KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI – Oliver and Charlotte were the most popular baby names in Kalamazoo this year. More than 4,500 babies were born at Bronson Methodist Hospital and Bronson Battle Creek in 2021, the local hospital system said in a news release. Grand Rapids-based Spectrum Health also recently announced the most popular name choices from its facilities. Related: Spectrum Health announces top baby names of 2021Charlotte was also the most popular name at Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital, while Oliver was the third most popular name at the downtown Grand Rapids hospital. For 2021, the most popular names for boys at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo were:Oliver Hudson Grayson/Greyson/Greysen Jackson Elijah Liam Jack Wyatt Aiden/Aiyden/Aidan Lucas/LukasThe most popular names for girls born at Bronson Methodist Hospital were:Charlotte Evelyn Harper Olivia/Olyveah/Olyvia Nora/Norah Peyton/Payton Adalyn/Adaline/Adalynne/Addalyn Ava/Avah/A’Vaeh Madelyn/Madalyn/Madelein/Madeline EmmaThe most popular names for boys born at Bronson Battle Creek were:Michael/Miguel Greyson/Grayson Kaiden/Kayden/Cayden Joseph/Jose Alexander Lucas Myles/Miles Waylon/Wayland Jackson/Jaxson/Jaxsyn ElijahPopular names for girls born at Bronson Battle Creek were:Olivia Ava/Ayva/Ayvah Charlotte Paisley Amelia/Ameela Eleanor Abigail Clara Isabella RileyMore from MLive:Kalamazoo man, 25, sentenced to life in prison for killing Galesburg womanKalamazoo Public Schools increases pay to $125 per day for substitute teachers, implements bonus incentivesMan, 33, killed in crash with tow truck in Southwest Michigan

Photo courtesy: Spectrum HealthLANSING — The state health authorities are asking residents to start the new year of on the right track as the state continues to go through a surge in cases, and with a new COVID-19 variant in the mix. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recommend people get their booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Getting the COVID-19 vaccines and receiving a booster dose gives protection against severe illness and hospitalization from COVID-19. It takes about two weeks to receive full protection after the booster dose – meaning critical extra protection will be available before Dec. 31. Michiganders should bring their COVID-19 vaccine card or immunization record with them when getting their booster dose, which are available at any vaccine provider.

The state’s health department is looking back at a year of COVID-19 vaccinations in Michigan, as Tuesday, Dec. 14 marks a year since the state began adminis

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Hospitals in West Michigan are being pushed to capacity as the coronavirus surges, forcing officials to delay non-emergency procedures, prepare to add extra beds, and bring on more staff amid what one doctor described as “needless death, day after day.”At Spectrum Health, a federal team of 20 physicians, nurses and respiratory therapists are expected to begin caring for patients this weekend. The team was brought in to relieve staff at the health system, where 1,110 surgeries have been deferred since the surge began.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Spectrum Health has limited the number of visitors allowed at its hospitals and outpatient-care facilities over a surge in COVID-19 cases and other serious conditions. Spectrum Health said hospitals through West Michigan are at or near capacity.

FLINT, MI -- Hurley Medical Center is operating at 100 percent capacity as cases of COVID-19 surge in Genesee County and multiple viruses circulate. As of Friday, Nov. 12, the state had 3,219 hospitalized COVID-19 patients with 698 of those in intensive care. In addition to Hurley, McLaren-Flint hospital’s bed occupancy was 96 percent as of Monday with 58 COVID-19 patients, 12 of whom are in intensive care. Ascension Genesys Hospital in Grand Blanc Township was at 83 percent capacity with 70 COVID-19 patients, 21 of whom are in intensive care. Read more:8 reasons why COVID-19 pandemic is straining Michigan hospitals once againMask mandate for Genesee County schools to be lifted Dec. 22Hurley hospital at 98% capacity as new COVID-19 cases spike in Flint area

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Spectrum Health is in “unprecedented” territory as COVID-19 cases climb and other patients suffering from serious medical problems continue to come to the hospital in large numbers, officials with the Grand Rapids-based healthcare provider said Tuesday. “We have not experienced anything like this throughout the entire pandemic — the combination of non-COVID acuity and volumes coupled with dramatically increasing covid care,” Dr. Darryl Elmouchi told reporters during an online press conference.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Spectrum Health is seeking up to $22 million in incentives from the city of Grand Rapids to help pay for a new campus in the Monroe North neighborhood that would house 1,800 administrative, non-clinical employees. The Center for Transformation and Innovation would be comprised of an 8-story office building that Spectrum plans to build adjacent to the Brass Works Building, 648 Monroe Ave. NW. It also includes the Brass Works Building, which Spectrum owns and is now renovating, as well as two, 420-space parking garages and a 150-space surface parking lot.

SAGINAW, MI — Saginaw County Health Department leaders said a new partnership with Central Michigan University will expand and improve public health services in the community. “As an academic health department, we gain greater capacity to investigate and find answers to some of Saginaw’s most pressing issues that impact public health,” said Christina Harrington, health officer at the Saginaw County Health Department. “Health department clients will benefit from access to CMU medical experts while students gain an added clinical learning environment through the health department.”The agreement represents the latest tie connecting the health department and university. Among previously-established ties: Dr. Delicia Pruitt serves both as the health department’s medical director as well as an associate professor of family medicine at CMU. The CMU Health site sits about 400 feet from the health department’s headquarters on North Michigan near the Cooper Avenue intersection.

A surge of COVID-19 cases as well as a spike in non-COVID patients is severely straining resources at Spectrum Health, based in Grand Rapids, according to a top official. “Yesterday in Grand Rapids at Butterworth, Blodgett and Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital combined, we had the highest number of inpatients that we have ever had,” Dr. Josh Kooistra, a Spectrum senior vice president and its chief medical officer, said Wednesday, Nov. 10. “Our regional hospitals are experiencing similar volumes, and our emergency departments are the busiest that they’ve ever been.”

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Spectrum Health says it’s expanding access to an antibody therapy for COVID-19 patients. Monoclonal antibody therapy is designed to help high-risk COVID-19 patients avoid hospitalization and recover at home. “Spectrum Health is pleased to be part of this incredible collaboration to expand our monoclonal antibody program in West Michigan, particularly to our most vulnerable populations,” Chad Tuttle, senior vice president of operations at Spectrum Health West Michigan, said in a statement. Spectrum has capacity to treat up to 400 patients a week with the antibody, but that’s dependent on supply. “Spectrum Health relies on federal and state supply distribution and is experiencing constraints from a national shortage.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Grand Rapids elected leaders have declared racism a public health crisis in the city. The resolution approved Tuesday, Sept. 28, by the Grand Rapids City Commission urges local organizations, businesses, units of government and individuals to use their influence to “dismantle racism and apply a public health framework to those efforts.”The declaration of racism as a public health crisis is in part an effort to align with a similar declaration Gov. “The resolutions come with a commitment to eliminate disparate health outcomes in their communities,” Stout wrote. The resolution cites that numerous studies have linked racism to negative health outcomes, including heart disease, high blood pressure, depression and even death. “Naming racism as a public health crisis also supports our journey to combat racism, in all its forms, and the negative impact it has on both our BIPOC and white community.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — A proposed merger between Spectrum Health and Beaumont Health is not expected to be completed this fall as originally expected. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which must review the merger, “is experiencing a surge in filings across all industries and will take longer than originally anticipated to review” the proposed merger, according to a Sept. 24 joint statement from the two health systems. It would combine two of the largest health systems in the state, with the newly created health system employing more than 64,000 people and generating an estimated $13 billion in revenue. Freese Decker would have offices in Grand Rapids and Southfield, with leadership teams in both communities. Read more:New minibar helps Grand Rapids Brewing Company tap into social districtsVolunteers sought to plant 250 trees on Grand Rapids’ South SideHealth officials call for school mask mandate in Michigan amidst ‘protest mobs,’ bullying

Any provider who carries the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine can provide booster shots in Michigan to those who attest to their eligibility, a spokeswoman for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said Friday. This updated interim guidance allows for some Americans at highest risk of contracting COVID-19 to increase their protection, the CDC reported. People who qualify can now seek third shots at least six months after their primary series. Booster shots have not yet been approved for people who received the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccines; at this time, federal authorities have not authorized mixing and matching of vaccines. A member of the committee, she voted in favor of broader booster shots for people whose occupations pose a risk.

Michiels spoke to the media about the rise in emergency room visits during an afternoon press conference on Friday, Sept. 24. In August, emergency room visits hit pre-pandemic levels. That means patients who come to the emergency room with non-critical conditions may now face wait times that are “significantly longer” than usual, Michiels said. Typically, wait times at the children’s hospital were 10 minutes or less. Kuhl said wait time at Spectrum Butterworth’s emergency room are now up from an average of 10 minutes to an average of 20 minutes.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Spectrum Health has administered more than one million COVID-19 tests since March 2020 and more than 500,000 doses of the vaccine, officials announced Tuesday. Smith recalled how Spectrum’s COVID-19 testing program has changed since the pandemic first hit Michigan in March 2020. Despite the milestones, Spectrum officials are urging residents who have not taken the COVID-19 vaccine to consider doing so. Statewide, there are more than one million confirmed or probable cases, and 21,704 confirmed or probable death, state data show. In late March, when the COVID-19 vaccine first became widely available, Spectrum was administering as many as 12,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses on some days.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Leaders at Spectrum Health and Beaumont Health have taken the next step toward creating a new health system. “Both Spectrum Health and Beaumont Health have rich histories with compassionate, high-quality and dedicated health care professionals.”Officials with Spectrum were not immediately available for an interview Thursday. Related: Former Spectrum Health CEO sees ‘potential massive financial loss’ in Beaumont merger“We are very pleased to be making important progress toward launching our new health system,” Beaumont Health Board Chair Julie Fream said in a statement. “Beaumont Health and Spectrum Health each have strong legacies of service. Improving health care quality, value and outcomes: Creating a new health system, which includes Priority Health, will allow for the development of and investment in innovative solutions that improve health care and coverage for all Michiganders.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Spectrum Health is “concerned” as the number of COVID-19 patients at its hospitals continues to grow, and it’s urging residents to practice frequent handwashing, social distance when possible and wear face masks indoors regardless of vaccination status. He also urged those who have not taken the COVID-19 vaccine to do so. As of Aug. 10, there were 52 COVID-19 patients at Spectrum. Spectrum’s 76 COVID-19 patients is up from 52 as of Aug. 10, according to the health system’s coronavirus dashboard. Last November, amid a statewide surge in COVID-19 patients, Spectrum had nearly 300 COVID-19 patients at its 14 hospitals.

Two of Michigan’s largest health systems will require all employees and physicians at their hospitals and other facilities to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

Beaumont Health became the latest Michigan health system to adopt a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for its employees Wednesday, July 29. That’s closer to the policies previously announced by Henry Ford Health System and Trinity Health, which set deadlines of Sept. 10 and Sept. 21, respectively. “We have a duty to protect our patients and our staff,” said Beaumont Health CEO John Fox in a prepared statement. Related: Protesters of Trinity Health’s coronavirus vaccine mandate line street outside hospitalAs of Tuesday, July 27, more than 5.1 million Michigan residents have gotten at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine. To find a vaccine near you, visit Michigan’s COVID-19 vaccine website or go to VaccineFinder.org.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Spectrum Health, a Grand Rapids-based health system with 31,000 employees and 14 hospitals, says it will require all staff, volunteers and contractors to take the COVID-19 vaccine. “As a mission-driven organization, we are here to improve health, inspire hope and save lives,” Spectrum Health President and CEO Tina Freese Decker said in a statement. The health system says the mandate will go into effect eight weeks after the Food and Drug Administration grants full approval to the COVID-19 vaccine. We encourage people to be vaccinated, in consultation with their physician’s advice.”Freese Decker said requiring the COVID-19 vaccine is similar to prior decisions made by Spectrum to mandate the flu vaccine. “We are applying the same logic to the COVID-19 vaccine as we did in requiring the flu and other vaccines.

Many patients can now receive a COVID-19 vaccine the same way they get a flu, shingles or tetanus shot, at their doctor’s office. It is important for people to be reassured by going to their own physician,” said John Foren, spokesman for Sparrow Health System in Lansing. Some primary care or family doctor’s offices, even some that are part of a larger system, do not offer vaccines. In Michigan, about 62.9% of people 16 and older have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. Meanwhile, other countries with low supply would love to get one of these safe and effective vaccines, health officials said.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Spectrum Health is expanding access to a coronavirus therapy shown to reduce hospitalizations and the severity of illness for people with COVID-19. Spectrum Health administrators announced plans Wednesday, July 21 to make monoclonal antibody therapy available at most Spectrum Health emergency departments. Spectrum Health is partnering with the state and national Department of Health and Human Services bureaus on the project. Monoclonal antibody therapy already is used to treat people at Spectrum Health Blodgett Hospital’s COVID-19 infusion clinic. “Spectrum Health is pleased to be part of this incredible collaboration to expand our monoclonal antibody program in West Michigan, particularly to our most vulnerable populations,” said Chad Tuttle, senior vice president of Spectrum Health West Michigan operations.

Rather, it would be from the financial assets of Spectrum Health and Priority Health, an insurance provider owned by Spectrum, no longer residing within a West Michigan-based institution, according to the letter. Freed, who also served as president of Spectrum-owned insurance provider Priority Health from 2012 to 2016, declined an interview request. One details a speculative scenario under which the newly merged health system, between Spectrum and Beaumont, were to sell Priority Health. Spectrum Health is fully committed to fulfilling its consent decree obligations and will continue to uphold its tenets. Freed says his financial recommendations, if Priority Health were to be sold, would result in a $4.4 billion dividend to the West Michigan community.

The West Michigan health care giant is converting all single-occupant restrooms in its downtown Grand Rapids facilities from gender assigned to gender-neutral spaces, according to a Monday, June 28 news release. Inclusive restroom signs will later be installed at other Spectrum Health facilities on the Medical Mile, including 25 Michigan St., 35 Michigan St., 145 Michigan St. and 221 Michigan St., according to the release. “Spectrum Health is looking to celebrate this progress as one more step in being a gender-affirming organization,” said Darryl Elmouchi, president of Spectrum Health West Michigan. Earlier this month, Spectrum Health offered a mobile mammography clinic that was specifically intended for members of the LGBTQ community. The June 12 clinic included staff from the Spectrum Health Cancer Center who were familiar with the LGBTQ community and their health care needs.

Two of Michigan’s largest healthcare systems – Beaumont Health and Spectrum Health — announced on June 17 a plan to merge and form a new, mega-healthcare system that would be worth $12 billion and span 22 hospitals. Listen: Dustin Walsh explains the Spectrum and Beaumont mergerGuestDustin Walsh is a reporter with Crain’s Detroit Business covering healthcare. He says the two health systems have not released much information on how the merger would happen except that they will have headquarters in both Southfield and Grand Rapids. ”But, as someone that’s covered lots of mergers over the years … that seems sort of [like] a pipe dream.”According to Walsh, another factor in this merger is that Spectrum Health has an integrated health insurer with Priority Health. “Now they can bring that health plan to metro Detroit, which has the metro area alone [of] 4 million-plus people,” he says.

Grand Rapids-based Spectrum Health and Southfield-based Beaumont Health announced Thursday that they’ve signed a letter of intent to explore creating a new health care system that would include more than 64,000 employees and roughly $13 billion in revenue. RELATED: Spectrum Health, Beaumont Health explore merger to create massive systemSpectrum President and CEO Tina Freese Decker would serve as president and CEO of the new health system, which would be led by a 16-member board of directors and is temporarily being called the BHSH System. Hospital system mergers typically receive more intense scrutiny by state and federal regulatory agencies than other kinds of mergers, said UM’s Gordon. What’s new about the proposed Spectrum and Beaumont merger is the size of the two institutions. Spectrum and Beaumont have told the state attorney general’s office about the proposed merger, Freese Decker said.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — The proposed merger of Spectrum Health and Beaumont Health is not expected to result in job cuts or building closures “at this time,” Spectrum President and CEO Tina Freese Decker said in a press conference Thursday. “We are excited about the opportunity to bring together Spectrum Health and Beaumont Health,” Freese Decker said. Now that the two health systems have signed the letter of intent, officials are engaged in due diligence and integration planning. “In addition, Beaumont Health and Spectrum Health operate in distinct markets with no market overlap. A final name would be chosen following the completion of the merger, which could close this fall following regulatory approvals, Freese Decker said.

Beaumont Health and Spectrum Health have announced that they’ve signed a letter of intent to unite, forming a new health system.

It was a deal that was kept tightly under wraps. If approved, it would create the largest hospital system in the state of Michigan.

Two of Michigan’s largest health care systems are exploring a future together, officials announced Thursday morning.

Here’s what's coming up on Local 4 News at Noon.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Two of Michigan’s largest health systems are exploring a merger. Grand Rapids-based Spectrum Health and Southfield-based Beaumont Health announced Thursday that they’ve signed a letter of intent to explore creating a new health care system that would include more than 64,000 employees and roughly $13 billion in revenue. He will assist during the integration process but at the close he will be leaving.”The new health system would be massive. Beaumont Health has faced financial challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic and has explored unsuccessful mergers in the past. The 16-member BHSH System board would include seven seats appointed by Beaumont Health and seven seats appointed by Spectrum Health.

MONTCALM COUNTY, MI – A 29-year-old Greenville man is in critical condition after he was thrown from his pickup truck during a rollover crash. The crash happened around 3:15 a.m. Wednesday, June 16, on M-57 near Grow Road in Montcalm County’s Fairplain Township, state police said. The man was driving a 2003 Chevrolet pickup truck east on M-57 when it left the right side of the road before crossing both lanes and going off the left side of the road. The pickup went airborne after hitting a berm and rolled numerous times, preliminary investigation showed. The victim, who was thrown from the truck, was not wearing a seat belt.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Spectrum Health has updated its COVID-19 visitor policy. The Grand Rapids-based health system is now permitting COVID-19 patients to have up to two visitors present between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. Previously, Spectrum has prohibited visitors for COVID-19 patients. After careful planning and following CDC guidelines, we are pleased to welcome visitors for COVID-19 patients in a safe manner,” said Darryl Elmouchi, president of Spectrum Health West Michigan. There are 57 COVID-19 patients hospitalized at Spectrum Health’s network of 14 hospitals.

WYOMING, MI – Displaying a Pride Flag, collecting data and holding a mammography clinic are some of the efforts confronting gaps in healthcare for the LGBTQ+ population in West Michigan. Many West Michigan organizations have raised the rainbow flag, including Metro Health and Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital. The most recent Kent County Community Health Needs Assessment shed light on some of the health disparities the local LGBTQ+ population faces. Spectrum Health, a 14-hospital system in West Michigan, partnered with the Grand Rapids Pride Center, the Grand Rapids LGBTQ+ Healthcare Consortium and the West Michigan Coalition for Breast Health to hold breast cancer screening event for LGBTQ+ individuals. More on MLive:Michigan Legislature formally recognizes Pride Month for the first timeRainbow flag raised outside Muskegon City Hall for Pride MonthPride month being celebrated in downtown Ypsilanti with events through June

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Spectrum Health’s Betty Ford Breast Care Services will be hosting a mobile mammography clinic at Baxter Community Center on Saturday, June 12. The screening event is in partnership with the Grand Rapids Pride Center, Grand Rapids LGBTQ+ Healthcare Consortium, the West Michigan Coalition for Breast Health, and Baxter Community Center. The early detection screening through the mobile mammography unit will be offered from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Baxter Community Center, located at 935 Baxter St. Here’s a few things Spectrum wants those interested to know:The Betty Ford Breast Care Services mobile mammography unit is a clinic on wheels that uses the most advanced technology. The mobile unit provides the same high-quality service as Spectrum Health’s 14 Betty Ford Breast Care Services locations.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Spectrum Health says it’s now offering COVID-19 vaccinations at all its primary care offices and urgent care clinics. Spectrum said residents with a Spectrum Health primary care physician can schedule a vaccine appointment through Spectrum’s online MyChart account, by calling their physician’s office or contacting the Vaccine Call Center at (833) 755-0696. Those who are scheduling a vaccine appointment for a child between the ages of 12 and 17 are asked to their child’s Spectrum primary care physician or (833) 755-0696. Vaccine appointments for one of Spectrum’s four urgent care locations can be made online through Spectrum’s MyChart or by calling (833) 755-0696. The vaccine call center, (833) 755-0696, is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Spectrum Health is hosting several COVID-19 vaccine clinics for adults and children this week. Children between the ages of 12 and 15 are eligible for a dose of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine. Anyone under the age of 18 who’s looking to receive a dose of the vaccine must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The vaccine is also being offered at many Spectrum primary care offices and regional offices. Here’s a look at the clinics Spectrum’s offering:Spectrum Health 60th Street Vaccine Clinic4700 60th St.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Spectrum Health and the Kent County Health Department have announced several COVID-19 vaccine clinics this weekend and next week that are open to residents ages 12 and up. Here’s a look at the clinics:Kent County Health DepartmentThe health department is scheduling appointments for clinics on Saturday and Sunday online and by phone. The two clinics are happening at the following locations:Saturday, May 15 at the Kent County Health Department, 700 Fuller Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 ∙ 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.Saturday, May 22 at the Kent County Health Department, 700 Fuller Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 ∙ 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Pfizer vaccine is the only vaccine available for children ages 12 and up. “Anyone under 18 will need a parent/guardian present or a permission note from parent/guardian and a driver who is at least 18 years of age,” the health department said in a news release.

The state of Michigan reported more than 7,800 new coronavirus cases Friday afternoon.

Match Day is the day the National Resident Matching Program releases results to applicants seeking residency and fellowship training position. It takes place on the third Friday of March every year at most of the medical schools in the United States. READ: Newsweek names several Michigan hospitals as best in the country, world in 2021For Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, more than 120 medical students found out Friday where they’ll be doing their residency. “When a little girl says she wants to do something, just believe in her and encourage her,” Aryana Sharrak said. RELATED: Oakland University, Beaumont Health medical affiliation agreement extended for another 20 years

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Spectrum Health launched an investigation into photos posted on Instagram from inside an operating room. It appears the photos were posted by a group of residents training at Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids. Spectrum Health released the following statement to WOODTV:The privacy of patients and the confidentiality of their medical information is a priority at Spectrum Health. We were disappointed to learn that surgical images were posted on an Instagram account used by a group of residents and are taking steps to resolve this issue. The Instagram account has been closed and a full investigation is underway.

Michigan hospital leaders are worried about health care workers becoming exhausted by eight months of battling COVID-19 as hospitals start to fill up with patients once again. As state officials announce 6,000 new COVID-19 cases daily in Michigan, hospitalizations are starting to trend in wrong direction. During a virtual discussion with the presidents and CEOS of major Michigan health systems, the most pressing concern isn’t space, but staff availability. “It may not be access to a facility need, it may actually be staffing,” Decker said. So that has clearly been our top concern.”LOCAL: Macomb County a ‘pocket’ of Michigan that struggles with mask wearing, Henry Ford Health CEO says

The president and CEO of Henry Ford Health System said Macomb County is a “pocket” of Michigan that struggles with COVID-19 mask compliance. Wright Lassiter spoke about the importance of following COVID-19 safety protocols during a virtual panel conversation among Michigan hospital leaders. He said while most people in the state wear masks, there are “pockets” where compliance isn’t up to par. “I would say that while we do see mask usage in many places, there are pockets where there is not good compliance,” Lassiter said. “In the Henry Ford system, our Henry Ford Macomb Hospital has the highest volume by far.

The head of the hospital association in Michigan said one of the main problems with the spread of COVID-19 statewide is that people aren’t convinced certain safety measures are necessarily, so they aren’t going to follow them. Brian Peters, the CEO of the Michigan Heath and Hospital Association, joined top hospital officials Thursday for a virtual discussion about the state of Michigan’s COVID-19 pandemic. Yet Michigan is still seeing its largest spike in COVID-19 cases since the pandemic began, with case totals and test positivity rates rising statewide. LOCAL: Macomb County a ‘pocket’ of Michigan that struggles with mask wearing, Henry Ford Health CEO saysHe compared COVID-19 protocols to wearing seat belts on the road, saying people won’t follow rules unless they genuinely believe they are saving lives. He and Beaumont Health president and CEO John Fox both said visitors have even resisted simple COVID-19 safety measures while physically inside hospitals.

As the number of Michiganders hospitalized with COVID-19 rises again, hospitals aren’t planning to shut down elective surgeries. But if the health care system gets overwhelmed, that might be a measure of last resort. Most importantly, health care workers don’t want Michiganders to have to delay necessary care. While all the hospital leaders agreed they don’t want to shut down elective procedures, it’s possible the spread of COVID-19 could reach a point where that’s the only option. That means Michigan hospitals won’t easily be able to transfer patients elsewhere if they reach capacity in terms of space or workers.

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is seeing its most rapid spread of COVID-19, and hospitals are trying to keep up without the same resources as the more populated areas of the state. Gar Atchison, the CEO of UP Health System-Marquette and market CEO of UP Health System, joined a discussion among state hospital system leaders Thursday to talk about how COVID-19 is being handled in the Upper Peninsula. “We are seeing some pretty rapid increases, some pretty alarming case rates.”Some hospitals and testing centers in the Upper Peninsula are seeing test positivity rates of 30% multiple days in a row, Atchison said. UP Health System-Marquette is the safety net hospital for the Upper Peninsula, so what happens when the region hits capacity is a major concern for Atchison. ICU capacity outside of Marquette is fairly limited, so that’s the number that I’m paying most attention to.”He said 61% of patients in ICU beds in the Upper Peninsula are COVID-19 patients.

Michigan’s top health officials are concerned about hospitals becoming overwhelmed again as the COVID-19 numbers across the state reach new levels. Early in the-19 pandemic, one of the major problems for Michigan was hospital capacity, as COVID-19 patients filled beds and the state was forced to set up alternate sites. “That’s one of the general concerns,” said Wright Lassiter, president and CEO of Henry Ford Health System. Decker said another concern is staff members who have been fighting COVID-19 for the better part of eight months. LOCAL: Macomb County a ‘pocket’ of Michigan that struggles with mask wearing, Henry Ford Health CEO says“Our team -- they’ve been dealing with this for a very long time, so they are tired,” Decker said.

The president and CEO of Henry Ford Health System wants Michiganders to follow the simple safety measures in place to stop the spread of COVID-19, but if they can’t, he said other steps might be necessary. “If doing the right thing and using ration and science isn’t sufficient, then there may be other steps that end up being necessary,” said Wright Lassiter, president and CEO of Henry Ford Health System. LOCAL: Macomb County a ‘pocket’ of Michigan that struggles with mask wearing, Henry Ford Health CEO saysThey said Michiganders should just follow four simple rules: Wear masks, practice social distancing, wash hands frequently and avoid large gatherings. Wright Lassiter, president and CEO of Henry Ford Health System, during a COVID-19 discussion on Nov. 12, 2020. MORE: Hospital association CEO: Michiganders who don’t believe in COVID-19 protocols aren’t going to follow themLassiter said a broad-based shutdown of the state likely would not be effective.

As COVID-19 trends worsen dramatically across Michigan, are stricter government regulations inevitable? The presidents and CEOS of Henry Ford Health System, Beaumont Health, Spectrum Health, Munson Healthcare and UP Health System-Marquette joined the discussion to highlight the alarming trajectory of COVID-19 numbers statewide. John Fox, president and CEO of Beaumont Health, said the tools to slow the spread of COVID-19 are already in place. LOCAL: Macomb County a ‘pocket’ of Michigan that struggles with mask wearing, Henry Ford Health CEO says“The tools to control it are there. MORE: Hospital association CEO: Michiganders who don’t believe in COVID-19 protocols aren’t going to follow them“They’ve been much more targeted, where government did intervene,” Anderson said.

Leaders from four major hospital systems in Michigan came together Thursday to share the alarming trends they’re seeing as COVID-19 cases increase drastically statewide. “Our state is now in a phase of exponential increases in both COVID-19 cases and COVID-19 hospitalizations,” said Gerry Anderson, executive chairman at DTE Energy and a member of Gov. “Over the last five weeks, cases in Michigan are up more than five-fold,” Anderson said. Leaders of Henry Ford Health System, Beaumont Health, Spectrum Health and Munson Health shared some of the COVID-19 trends they’re seeing in their hospitals. Henry Ford Health SystemThe story is the same in Henry Ford hospitals, according to Wright Lassiter, the president and CEO of Henry Ford Health System.

Michigan hospitals are rapidly filling with COVID-19 patients once again, and experts are warning residents that if this trend continues, it will be disastrous for the state’s health care system. The MHA represents all the hospitals and health systems throughout Michigan. “Our hospitals are rapidly filling with COVID-19 patients at a very alarming rate,” Peters said. He and other state health care leaders are concerned about what’s ahead for hospitals if the trends don’t reverse. The health care system can capsize if you don’t keep it under control.”

Leaders from several of Michigan’s largest hospitals systems are gathered in a virtual news conference Thursday morning as they call on residents to heed warnings about the surge of COVID-19 cases and deaths in the state. “In the last week, Michigan has seen a historic and increasing number of COVID-19 cases and deaths. This has resulted in increased hospitalizations and pressure on our health care infrastructure across the state. New COVID-19 cases and deaths continue to rise in Michigan. View more: Michigan COVID-19 dataMichigan’s 7-day moving average for daily cases was 5,040 on Tuesday, the highest it has ever been.

West Michigan’s largest hospital system says they could be hitting their maximum capacity “in a matter of days,” as new COVID-19 cases and deaths rise across the state. Spectrum Health said during a virtual press conference on Wednesday that they are working to expand intensive care capacity and to create more space for COVID-19 patients. “Even with these actions, the reality is that Spectrum Health and our hospitals across the state will be hitting their capacity in a matter of days,” Spectrum Health President and CEO Tina Freese Decker said, according to WOOD TV. Dr. Darryl Elmouchi, the president of Spectrum Health West, added that Spectrum will be prioritizing those with symptoms when providing COVID-19 tests. New COVID-19 cases and deaths continue to rise in Michigan.