News
Mental health discussion, rural health awards presented during Health Forum of Northern Michigan event hosted by GVSU
March 18, 2021
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — Leaders from Grand Valley State University and Northwestern Michigan College hosted a free and open to the public panel discussion "Protecting Our Mental Health" on Thursday, March 18 and presented awards to rural health partners during this virtual Health Forum of Northern Michigan event.
Panelists were Nick Ceglarek, superintendent for Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District; Dr. Curtis Cummins, medical director for Northern Lakes Community Mental Health Authority; Allen Jansen, deputy director, Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Administration, State of Michigan; and Shoba Ryan, nurse practitioner, psychiatry, for Munson Health.
During the program, GVSU presented its Rural Health Awards, which recognized the accomplishments of outstanding organizations and practitioners serving northern Michigan communities.
David Jahn, president and CEO of War Memorial Hospital in Sault Ste. Marie, accepted the 2021 Rural Healthcare Organization Award. Jean Nagelkerk, GVSU vice provost for health, said the hospital is dedicated to serving northern Michigan by providing comprehensive, quality care to individuals, families and communities.
"War Memorial Hospital has been an exceptional clinical partner for Grand Valley's physician assistant studies students," Nagelkerk said. "Practitioners, administrators and staff demonstrate a commitment to patient care, community service and education of health professional students."
Dr. Marilyn Conlon, from Wellspring Psychiatry in Traverse City, received the 2021 Rural Health Practitioner of the Year Award. Conlon is an expert in behavioral health, serving as a guide and resource for many individuals in northern Michigan, Nagelkerk said.
"Dr. Conlon has the ability to teach, educate, support and counsel each client in a way that has yet to be replicated," Nagelkerk said. "She provides individualized care to her clients, provides community education on mental health resources, and mentors health professional students in her practice."
The Health Forum of Northern Michigan is offered in the fall and spring of each year. It is a collaboration between the GVSU Office of the Vice Provost for Health, GVSU Traverse City Regional Center, and Northwestern Michigan College. The event is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of West Michigan.
By Michele Coffill