As I look back on where 2021 began, and all that’s planned for the months ahead,
I think about our values: compassion, collaboration, curiosity, and courage.
The beginning of this year required courage and compassion as we faced a record number
of our friends and neighbors becoming sick and needing to be hospitalized. Yet, even with those
challenges, hope was on the horizon.
I’m grateful for the curiosity of the thousands of scientists, researchers, health professionals,
and volunteers who worked tirelessly to bring us a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine. To date,
more than 130,000 people in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties have taken a vital step to
protect themselves and their loved ones by receiving at least one dose of the vaccine.
In the spirit of collaboration, we announced that we are taking the next step in our bold
vision to transform health in Michigan. Beaumont Health and Spectrum Health have signed a
formal integration agreement, the next step in the process to create a new health system that
is For Michigan, By Michigan.™ The integration agreement signals ongoing momentum and
commitment toward the organizations’ shared vision to provide more accessible, affordable,
equitable, and exceptional health care and coverage.
We also remain committed to investing in the best facilities, talented teams, and advanced
services right here in our local community. Both the Lakeland Medical Center Pavilion
and Niles hospital expansion projects are nearing their end. When complete,
they will offer high-tech modernizations and exceptional patient
experiences for generations to come. Please turn to page 9 to read
more about these mission-critical projects.
During a year like no other, our focus on providing high-quality care has
never wavered. We believe health care can and should be better.
For the eighth consecutive year, Spectrum Health Lakeland has
received the American Heart Association’s GoldPlus Get With
The Guidelines®- Stroke Quality Achievement Award with Honor Roll.
Corazon, Inc., a national leader in services for the cardiovascular specialty,
also granted Lakeland a Service Line of Excellence distinction.
Thank you for trusting us with your health. It’s that trust that
excites and energizes me for the opportunity to continue to
create a best-in-class health care experience—one that provides
accessible, affordable, and equitable health care for all.
Loren B. Hamel, MD
President, Spectrum Health Lakeland