Understanding Addiction: The Dopamine Effect

"To understand addiction, we have to understand how our brain reacts to a chemical called dopamine." —Jim Whelan, MD.

Many of us know someone who is impacted by addiction or what we now call substance use disorder – a mental health condition involving a chemical dependence on drugs, alcohol, and other substances like nicotine. Decades of misunderstanding has led to feelings of shame and helplessness as well as gaps in the personal support systems that are so critical for recovery.

Hear as our Medical Director of Population Health, Dr. Jim Whelan explains the science of substance use disorder and how understanding this science is key to hope, healing, and recovery. 

Take the 21-Day Mental Health Stigma Challenge

Awareness and understanding are key to overcoming the stigma surrounding mental health so we can better support our loved ones and communities. In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month in May, we invite you to sign up for a 21-Day Stigma Challenge, which starts on May 1. Created in collaboration with our partners at The Northwest CHIR's Behavioral Health Initiative, this challenge includes a daily email filled with education and tips to help reshape how we view mental health and help support those who struggle. 

Michael VanWagner, DO, Is Committed to Strong Bones

“As an adult hip and knee replacement specialist, I have the unique privilege of helping patients with chronic, painful joints regain function and mobility, and improve their quality of life. Our aging population is more active than generations in the past, and I enjoy providing patients with various treatment options to help them remain active and healthy.

To me, commitment means creating a culture of excellence at our hospitals. We are so fortunate to have an independent healthcare system that has been a part of our communities for so long. At Munson Orthopedic Institute, I am able to help build something truly excellent for our community, centered around our patients, that also improves the health of our hospitals.” 

Munson Celebrates Hospital of the Year Honor at the Gift of Life Michigan Gala

Gift of Life Michigan, Michigan’s federally designated organ and tissue recovery program, recently honored Munson Medical Center as Hospital of the Year. Over the last year, Munson Medical Center helped to honor the last wishes of 22 organ donors and 56 tissue donors, whose generosity has helped transform hundreds of lives.

In addition, ICU Nurse Manager Eric Jean, MSN, was named Donation Liaison Champion, and John Stanifer, MD, and his wife Molly as Community Partner Champions.

“Munson Medical Center is leading by example in every aspect of the complicated life-saving donation process,” said Gift of Life President and CEO Dorrie Dils. “There is a culture of donation there – a sense at every level that it’s an important way to save and heal lives. The teams there also understand that donors and their families want something beautiful to come out of their tragedies.”

If you’re interested in becoming an organ or tissue donor, please visit Gift of Life Michigan.

 Congratulating Our Hometown Health Hero

Munson Healthcare team member Tammie Budrow was recently named a Michigan 2024 Hometown Health Hero by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. This marks the second time this heroic mom and healthcare employee has been recognized as a Hometown Health Hero for her efforts in creating the Chill Out Winter Safety Program in honor of her daughter Carly who died tragically in a sledding accident.

“I am immensely proud to congratulate Tammie as a two-time Hometown Health Hero for the remarkable program she's helped bring to our region,” says Munson Healthcare President and CEO Ed Ness. “Tammie's dedication to ensuring kids' winter safety is not only courageous but deeply impactful. Her personal tragedy has inspired a program that will undoubtedly save lives and prevent injuries. Thank you, Tammie, for your unwavering commitment to our communities' well-being."

In Case You Missed It...

A True Longevity Story: Meet Betty Plough

Recipe: Chicken Tagine with Preserved Lemons and Olives

What are the Warning Signs of Colorectal Cancer?

Plan Ahead for Summer Construction Delays

New Charlevoix Walk-in Clinic Now Open!

Robotic Surgery Program at Munson's Cadillac Hospital in Full Swing

New Clinics Offering Expanded Access to Care in Traverse City

Upcoming Events at Munson Healthcare

 Advance Care Planning Workshops

Do your loved ones know your care preferences if a medical emergency leaves you unable to communicate? Register for one of our free upcoming workshops to learn what advance care planning includes and how to choose the best advocates.

Weds., May 29 | Noon - 1 pm | Online | Register Here

Tues., June 4 | 10 am - Noon | Munson Healthcare Grayling Hospital | Register Here

Tues., Aug. 6 | 10 am - Noon | Munson Healthcare Grayling Hospital | Register Here