Faculty researchers, health care leaders will discuss trends, impact of COVID-19 at virtual event

Area health care leaders and Grand Valley researchers will discuss health trends and the impact of COVID-19 in Michigan during the 12th annual West Michigan Health Care Economic Forecast on Friday, January 8.

The event is hosted by the Office of the Vice Provost for Health; it will run from 8-9:45 a.m. Register for the virtual event online by noon on January 7 to receive a Zoom meeting invitation. 

Erkmen Aslim and Daniel Montanera, assistant professors of economics, will discuss the Health Check report, which analyzed health risks and trends for Kent, Ottawa, Muskegon and Allegan (KOMA) counties and compared data to statewide and national figures.

Jean Nagelkerk, vice provost for health, said the report serves as an important tool for West Michigan hospital and health care leaders. "As we move forward in a stressed and uncertain environment due to COVID-19, we will continue to study and bring forward data that will help our communities address major issues in health care," Nagelkerk said.

Following the Health Check report, a panel of experts will discuss the pandemic's impact and strain on the local health care system, in addition to health trends. 

Panelists are Darryl Elmouchi, president of Spectrum Health West Michigan; Ronald Grifka, chief medical officer of Metro Health - University of Michigan Health; Hyung Tai Kim, president of Mercy Health Saint Mary’s; and Brian Peters, CEO of the Michigan Health and Hospital Association.

Grants provided by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan/Blue Care Network and Priority Health supported the Health Check report.