Representatives from both institutions said they hope this partnership will lead to the establishment of a permanent interdisciplinary health research center.
The partnership will tap the resources and community insight of MCHP and the research capabilities of faculty members from Grand Valleys Kirkhof College of Nursing, College of Health Professions and other university departments.
Vondie Moore Woodbury, director of the MCHP, said the partnership began about three years ago when nursing faculty members conducted a study on diabetes. Funded by the Blue Cross/Blue Shield Foundation, it focused on diabetes self-management among African Americans in the Muskegon area. At the conclusion of the study, participants had improved in controlling their diabetes.
"After that project, we were intrigued by the notion of doing more," Woodbury said. "We're excited to partner with Grand Valley; it allows us to bring in more resources. We're not such a large city that we get a lot of research dollars.
"This is a good marriage and it will be good for researchers: Muskegon County demographics are reflective of Michigan as a whole. This population exceeds state norms for diabetes and hypertension." Woodbury graduated from Grand Valley in 1971; she then earned a master's of public administration degree from Western Michigan University.
Cynthia Coviak, associate professor of nursing and KCON director of Nursing Research and Faculty Development, said she and other nursing faculty members will staff the center's office at least once a week. The office is in the Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center, 200 Viridian Drive. An open house to introduce the partnership to the community is planned for early September.
Future research studies could include womens awareness of cervical cancer screenings and methods to improve bone health, Coviak said. Translation research will also be a major emphasis of the partnership. That research brings pioneering remedies for health problems that were previously tested in controlled environments to "real world" communities, she said.
"The center has great potential to benefit the community," she said. Grand Valley students will be involved in conducting some research projects with faculty members. Coviak said the partnership fits well into Grand Valley's mission of scholarship and service to the community.
Jane Toot, dean of GVSU's College of Health Professions (comprised of eight programs including physical therapy, occupational therapy and physician assistant studies), echoed that sentiment and said it is important for Grand Valley to be involved throughout the West Michigan region.
She added that occupational therapy faculty members are interested in conducting a mental health study in Muskegon, and PAS faculty are interested in studying obesity trends and senior citizens who have trouble with balance.
About the Muskegon Community Health Project: It opened its doors in 1994 with a goal of moving the community toward a state of wellness. It is now recognized as one of the most innovative and successful incubators for health initiatives in the nation, hosting a variety of collaboratives, service programs and initiatives.
