Grand Rapids Business Journal

What seemed like the last alternative for individuals, doctors and nurses just two years ago has become a lifeline over the last year.

(Watch for this story Monday morning on WZZM TV 13) A Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce survey shows COVID-19 business relief and recovery, a talented workforce and health care affordability are the top three issues concerning West Michigan businesses in 2021.

The owners of a handmade candle company in Grand Rapids are now selling a special limited-edition product to raise funds for i understand, a mental health nonprofit.

The Food Bank Council of Michigan is teaming up with South Michigan Food Bank and Grace Health to address food insecurity and encourage healthy lifestyles with the launch of the Grace Health Fresh Food Pharmacy in Battle Creek.

A licensed family nurse practitioner in Grand Rapids, specializing in complex developmental trauma (CDT), launched Healing Connection, a trauma-informed resource for training and advocacy for childhood trauma-related education.

Grand Rapids Community College and Ferris State University have formed a partnership to offer five seats to GRCC students in Ferris State University’s doctor of pharmacy program each year.

Following the recent news that Perrigo is relocating its North American headquarters to Michigan State University’s Grand Rapids Innovation Park being developed downtown, the two entities said last week they are entering a formal partnership to advance consumer self-care innovation.

Spectrum Health this week began vaccinating adults age 65 and over and certain Phase 1B individuals, such as teachers and child care workers.

The director of Wedgwood’s Autism Center for Child Development was appointed board president of the Michigan Behavior Analysis Providers Association (MiBAP).

Spectrum Health welcomed two new incoming board members to the Spectrum Health System board of directors.

FLINT — A new investigation of the Flint water disaster led to charges against nine people, including former Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder and key members of his administration, who are accused of various crimes in a calamitous plan that contaminated the community with lead and contributed to a fatal outbreak of Legionnaires' disease, authorities said Thursday.

The state of Michigan chose Meijer Inc. as an initial pharmacy partner to help administer COVID-19 vaccines. 

LANSING — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said Wednesday she hopes to let restaurants reopen for indoor dining Feb. 1, as her health department extended a two-month ban by an additional two weeks while letting noncontact sports resume this weekend.

FLINT — Former Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder, his health director and other ex-officials have been told they're being charged after a new investigation of the Flint water scandal, which devastated the majority Black city with lead-contaminated water and was blamed for a deadly outbreak of Legionnaires' disease, The Associated Press has learned.

Health economics researchers at Grand Valley State University found more Michiganders have access to health care and health insurance, but mental health outcomes for residents have worsened.

LANSING — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Friday strongly encouraged all K-12 schools in Michigan to offer in-person instruction by March 1 and earlier if possible, but she stopped short of requiring it, saying face-to-face classes should at least be an option.

Although Lisa Lehmann’s life in the past year reads like the lyrics of a country song, she’s using the pain to forge a stronger business.

A team of West Michigan entrepreneurs recently launched an online platform designed to empower people to give and receive help in all types of situations.

In the face of the pandemic and a historical staffing shortage, direct care workers have continued to answer the call and care for older adults and people with disabilities.

As coronavirus cases continue to mount daily, a local company is recognizing the need to extend free services to health care facilities.

Stryker acquired a maker of technology for musculoskeletal care and joint replacements.

LANSING — Michigan will begin issuing coronavirus vaccines to seniors and frontline workers such as teachers and police next week, state officials said Wednesday while announcing accelerated access for people who are at least 65 years old.

A local health care company is offering multiple ways to receive a COVID-19 test.

Stryker launched T7, its next-generation personal protection system for surgical use.

A local nonprofit focused on building community and stability for refugees and New Americans is using federal funding to create a consortium of local experts to provide mental health services.