Faculty will discuss health trends, impact of pandemic during annual Health Check report

Seidman College of Business faculty members and health care leaders will discuss health trends and the impact of COVID-19 during the 13th annual West Michigan Health Care Economic Forecast on Thursday, February 3.

The virtual event will run from 8-9:45 a.m.; register online by noon on February 2 to receive a link to the Zoom webinar.

Erkmen Aslim and Daniel Montanera, assistant professors of economics, will discuss the Health Check report, which analyzes health risks and trends for Kent, Ottawa, Muskegon and Allegan (KOMA) counties and compares data to statewide and national figures. Gerry Simons, professor of economics, who collaborated on the research, will serve as moderator during the event.

The event is hosted by the Kirkhof College of Nursing and Seidman College of Business. 

Lola Coke, acting dean of KCON, said this event and its consistent examination of data serves as an important tool to inform the decisions made by area business and health care leaders. Diana Lawson, dean of the Seidman College of Business, said as organizations and businesses continue to move forward during the pandemic, the college is pleased to provide this report to ensure high-quality and cost-effective health care planning for West Michigan.

After the Health Check presentation, the following state and West Michigan health care leaders will serve as panelists to discuss the pandemic and its impact on the state. 

• Dr. Matt Biersack, president and chief medical officer of Mercy Health Saint Mary's
• Dr. Darryl Elmouchi, president of Spectrum Health West Michigan
• Dr. Ronald G. Grifka, chief medical officer of Metro Health-University of Michigan Health 
• Elizabeth Hertel, director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

Questions about the event can be sent via email to [email protected]. Information about previous Health Check reports is online.