Munson Healthcare

Stroke is a leading cause of death and long-term disability in the U.S. – and stroke cases are on the rise in younger adults. But about 80 percent of strokes are completely preventable through lifestyle changes, like diet and exercise. The challenge for many people is that preventive measures like exercise can require a commitment of both time and energy that isn’t always achievable. However, a new study has found that even minimal amounts of movement can significantly reduce your risk for stroke. Learn how your everyday tasks can add up in a big way when it comes to stroke prevention: https://hubs.li/Q02xrZGX0. #strokemonth

Munson’s Healthcare Team Week continues! From smiles in the photo booth to teammates enjoying treats and togetherness – and even a visit from Pinky the Positivity Unicorn – teammates from across our healthcare system are gathering this week to share words of positivity and join opportunities for creativity and camaraderie.

“Historically, Northern Michigan has struggled with higher rates of smoking and substance use during pregnancy. We also know that depression rates are high in our region and mental health supports are important during pregnancy.” — Toni Leaf-Odette, Senior Coordinator of Community Health at Munson Healthcare Pregnancy is both exciting and overwhelming for parents-to-be. Struggling with addiction or mental health challenges can worsen feelings of stress and fear. To help moms and their babies be as safe and healthy as possible, our High Tech High Touch tool connects expectant parents to resources that can include treatment, counseling, and more.

“I always knew that I wanted to pursue a helping profession but was really called to nursing during the wonderful care I received after delivering my children at Charlevoix Hospital. I was able to see the impact that nurses could have on my community, and it motivated me to get my degree.   I am most committed to providing every patient from birth to their senior years with compassionate care that addresses all their physical and emotional needs. With my recent transition from family practice to our new Charlevoix Walk-in-Clinic, I am really enjoying the variety of patients that I see throughout the day. I enjoy every interaction with every patient. Getting to know them and identifying their needs so I can help improve their health is very rewarding. I’m able to see all members of our community – both locals and visitors – providing excellent care in a timely fashion, and doing so in the caring, compassionate way that Munson is known for.” —Jean McDonough, FNP-BC, Clinical Nurse Practitioner Read more at https://bit.ly/3K0wVAT.

This week is National Hospital Week. To recognize our incredible staff for all they do for our patients, communities, and each other, we have our own special way of observing, which we fondly call Healthcare Team Week - a celebration filled with activities, sweet treats, and above all, gratitude. Whether they interact with patients directly or work behind the scenes supporting those who do, every member of our team is a vital part of delivering high quality healthcare at our hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, distribution sites, and more. The festivities are in full swing as we applaud each and every staff member and their commitment to improving lives.

Happy Mother’s Day! 💐 Today is a special day on which we pay homage to moms and the other women in our lives who make an impact – like Dr. Catherine Wonski and Dr. Caitlyn Monks, a mother-daughter duo who've been a guiding force in our Charlevoix community. After finishing her MD in family medicine followed by her residency in 1990, Catherine Wonski, MD, practiced in Grand Rapids for several years before pursuing a position in Northern Michigan, where she partially grew up during the summer months. “I had always loved Boyne City, so I approached Charlevoix Hospital about opening a primary care practice in Boyne City with Dr. Pam Knysz. Hard to believe that was 27 years ago!” she shares. “I loved taking care of families in a small community. Family medicine also provided me the ability to balance raising my family along with my job in this same community.” Little did Wonski know that at that same time she was helping to support a growing practice, a budding physician was in the making. A young girl who followed in her footsteps, quite literally, around the clinic and hospital. Observing Wonski touch and heal lives as she moved from room to room. The young girl was her daughter. “I have countless memories at the office and hospital with my mom, but what I remember the most is how she cared for her community,” says Caitlyn Monks, DO, an OBGYN with Munson’s Charlevoix Women’s Health. “I remember her running to the office after hours to help community members, stitching up teammates of mine after games, and making house calls in the area. Her dedication to those around her is something that continues to inspire me to this day and is a legacy she will leave in this community.” Read more at https://bit.ly/3JSmn6P.

In celebration of National Nurses Week, we're proud to spotlight Katie Drzewiecki, Emergency Department Manager at Otsego Memorial Hospital, who went above and beyond by dressing up as Florence Nightingale, the pioneering nurse known as the "Lady with the Lamp." Alongside Dawn Halleck, Chief Nursing Officer, Katie delivered treats and smiles to our compassionate and dedicated nursing staff. Let's take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to Katie, Dawn, and all the remarkable nurses out there! Your unwavering commitment to patients truly makes a difference every single day.

We are happy to reveal the winner of Otsego Memorial Hospital’s "Name Our Robot" contest! Drumroll, please... 🥁 The winning name is "Wally," submitted by several students in Mrs. Glasby’s 2nd Grade Class. It all started with a fantastic field trip to Otsego Memorial Hospital on March 11, where students from St. Mary Cathedral School in Gaylord got a hands-on demonstration of the Da Vinci Xi Surgical Robot and met the amazing surgical team members. But the excitement didn't stop there! On Wednesday, MHC surgical employees and physicians delivered delicious pizzas to the winning class, marking a truly memorable collaboration between healthcare professionals and our local community. Congratulations again to Mrs. Glasby’s 2nd Grade Class and a huge thank you to everyone who participated. Let's continue fostering these incredible connections between education and healthcare!

This week Munson Healthcare was among five hospitals in the nation presented the American Hospital Association (AHA) Dick Davidson NOVA Award for hospital-led collaborative efforts to improve community health. Munson Healthcare was recognized for the Street Medicine program, a collaboration with Traverse Health Clinic and Goodwill Northern Michigan. The partnership launched in 2020 and has provided care to over 1,000 people experiencing homelessness in the Traverse City area. “This year’s Dick Davidson NOVA Award winners have demonstrated dedication and commitment to improving community health by forging strong partnerships with other community organizations,” said AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack. “These hospitals and health systems offer exemplary and essential services and programs that have adapted and evolved to effectively meet the changing needs of their communities.” “We are grateful for this recognition from the AHA because it is so important to raise awareness about the 650,000 plus people experiencing homelessness in this country,” said Dr. David Klee of Munson Healthcare. “While most street medicine occurs in densely populated urban areas, there is need in rural areas as well and we hope this program will help provide a model for other smaller communities like our own.” Congratulations to the healthcare team for this effort and recognition! For more information about this honor, visit https://bit.ly/4bo6j9j.

“I originally wanted to be a doctor, but after realizing I was a fainter, I decided to study health behavior and health education. I loved that I could be part of preventing disease and helping to steer people down healthier paths early on before health concerns arose. I was born at Munson and knew after living downstate and on the West Coast that I wanted to give back to the community I grew up in, so after gaining great experience in other communities, I moved home to make an impact here. What I love most about my role is representing Munson Healthcare out in our communities. A lot of the big work we do in community health is done over time and involves impacting many factors. We can’t do it alone, so leveraging the diverse talent in our region in other sectors improves our success. Our Community Health team loves to collaborate with other organizations to make the most impact.” —Christi Nowak, MPH, MBA, System Director of Community Health and Engagement Read more at https://bit.ly/4buFpfA.