Sparrow Clinton Hospital in St. Johns
The Michigan Health and Hospital Association (MHA) announced the winners of its 2012 Ludwig Community Benefit Award during the recent MHA Annual Membership Meeting.
Sparrow Clinton Hospital in St. Johns was one of only four recipients. Also honored were Harbor Beach Community Hospital; Metro Health, Wyoming; and University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor.
The award is named in memory of Patric E. Ludwig, a former MHA President who championed investing in the community’s overall health. It is presented to member organizations integrally involved in collaborative programs to improve the health and well-being of area residents. Each winner receives $3,000 from the MHA Health Foundation to assist in its health improvement efforts.
Sparrow Clinton Hospital earned recognition for its ongoing Childhood Obesity Prevention Initiative. Sparrow Clinton Hospital Foundation established a 25-member steering committee, secured a state Healthy Lifestyle Matching Grant, and organized a countywide awareness and engagement program.
“It is truly an honor to be recognized by our peers for making a difference in our community,” said Ed Bruun, Sparrow Clinton Hospital CEO & President. “The Childhood Obesity Prevention Initiative has become a catalyst for community lifestyle changes, which we hope will accelerate as more families participate in the programs offered by Sparrow Clinton Hospital and our partners.”
Implemented in response to a 2009 Mid-Michigan Health Department summit on childhood obesity, initiative partners combine their efforts to help reduce the number of children in Clinton County who are considered overweight or obese.
Results of this partnership include installation of indoor fitness trails in area elementary schools, free family fitness activities at the hospital’s fitness center, nutrition education, and the annual Clinton Family Fit Fest that gives families ideas for healthy alternatives in nutrition and lifestyle options.
Since 2010, Childhood Obesity Prevention Initiative programs have provided 16,000 county residents with healthy lifestyle and nutrition options.
As mid-Michigan’s premier health care organization and the region’s largest private employer, Sparrow is committed to providing quality, compassionate care to every person, every time and becoming a national leader in quality and patient experience. Sparrow encompasses two Lansing campuses, along with hospitals in St. Johns, Ionia and Carson City. The health system features dozens of satellite care centers, the Sparrow Health Science Pavilion and the Michigan Athletic Club. Sparrow Hospital, a major teaching facility, is formally affiliated with Michigan State University’s three human health colleges.
About MHA
Based in Lansing, the MHA represents all of Michigan’s community hospitals and successfully advocates on behalf of hospitals and the patients they serve. The MHA addresses key issues in the legislative and regulatory arenas to advance initiatives that protect quality, cost-effective and accessible care. To learn more, visit www.mha.org.