New partnerships expand comprehensive health care for GVSU students

Three West Michigan organizations have partnered with Grand Valley to provide comprehensive primary and urgent health care to students at the Campus Health Center.

GVSU received grants to partner with Health Net of West Michigan and HealthBar to provide, respectively, care management services and a nurse phone line and telehealth services. The third partner, Ottawa Pathways for Better Health, an Ottawa County Department of Public Health program, will assist with access to insurance and other health-related social needs.

Kate Harmon, assistant vice president for Student Affairs, Well-Being and Inclusion, said these services are transforming the Campus Health Center, 10383 42nd Ave. on the Allendale Campus, into a comprehensive, student-centered clinic that goes beyond basic care.

Jenny Hall-Jones, vice president for Student Affairs, thanked the partners, saying their efforts allow for an improved, streamlined service for students.

​​ “Our partnerships with Ottawa Pathways for Better Health, Health Net and HealthBar allow us to deliver care in a way that reflects the realities students face today," Hall-Jones said. "By combining in-person services, telehealth access and resource navigation, we’re creating a system that supports our students’ holistic well-being.”

Health Net of West Michigan

Leaders at Health Net of West Michigan said the partnership at GVSU continues their mission of providing client-centered resource navigation that addresses the social determinants of health. When GVSU students, faculty or staff complete a Health Net questionnaire, a resource navigator will connect them with essential resources and support their mental and physical health needs. Health Net will soon staff a resource navigator at the health center to better serve students.

"We look forward to continuing to develop and strengthen our relationship with GVSU," said Keyuana Rosemond, vice president for engagement and advocacy. "Our partnership with Grand Valley aligns with our place-based model of caring for people where they are."

HealthBar

HealthBar serves as the onsite care provider supporting students with primary and preventative care needs, including mental and behavioral, chronic disease, and acute injury and illness. In addition, HealthBar provides virtual care (telehealth and telemedicine) seven days a week from 7a.m.- 9 p.m. HealthBar and GVSU are exploring opportunities to expand the hours of virtual care to a 24/7 model.

"We are grateful that Grand Valley enhanced its investment in student health," said Michael Lomonaco, Health Bar's chief revenue officer. "Now more than ever, these services are critical to support the whole self and complete spectrum of what goes into ensuring student success."

Ottawa Pathways to Better Health

Ottawa Pathways to Better Health will pair students with Community Health Workers (CHWs) who can help them navigate complex health and human services systems and assist in accessing resources they need, including food assistance, housing and utility support, as well as completing applications for employment or insurance.

"Our CHWs will be available on campus and in the community to help students find resources that support their physical and mental health," said Susan Keen, registered nurse and nurse supervisor for the program. "We are grateful for this new partnership and our shared vision for student well-being."

Learn more about the center and its services.