The forums are intended to provide an opportunity for the community to engage in a conversation with national experts about health care and how it impacts individuals and communities. The forums were hosted by Continuing Education in collaboration with Grand Rapids Medical and Research Center
"The notion isn't to provide answers but to spark a dialogue about issues that are of great importance to the overall health and well-being of our community," said Simone Jonaitis, executive director of Continuing Education at Grand Valley.
While the theme of connecting spirituality and health has broad appeal, Jonaitis said the success of this year's series is also due in large part to the collaborative efforts of various Grand Valley departments and community partners. These included the College of Interdisciplinary Studies, College of Health Professions, the Kirkhof College of Nursing, the Psychology Department, the GVSU Womens' Center, Spectrum Health, St. Mary's Health Care, Michigan State University and Grand Dialogue.
"Next year we intend to widen our collaborative efforts both within the university and with community members and organizations and provide as many opportunities as we can to engage each other in issues of health and community," said Jonaitis.
More than 700 people attended the four fourms. For more information, visit www.gvsu.edu/ahf.
