Health care trends will be detailed at January event

Faculty members and expert panelists will provide a glimpse into health-related trends and issues that could affect the region at the ninth annual West Michigan Health Care Economic Forecast on Friday, January 12. 

The Office of the Vice Provost for Health and Seidman College of Business Alumni Association will host the event at the Eberhard Center, beginning at 7:30 a.m. with a light breakfast; presentations will run from 8-9:30 a.m. The event is free and open to the public.

Leslie Muller, assistant professor of economics, will team with Kevin Callison, assistant professor of global health management and policy at Tulane University, to present the Health Check Report, which details issues in Kent, Ottawa, Muskegon and Allegan counties. Callison served as assistant professor of economics at Grand Valley until last year.

Three local experts will then offer predictions about health care trends. Panelists are Dr. Peter Hahn, chief medical officer for Metro Health University of Michigan Health; Earle (Win) Irwin, board chair for Irwin Seating Holding Co.; and Nick Lyon, director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

The West Michigan Health Care Economic Forecast is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Priority Health.