The healing power of kindness is present in every gift.
It is our privilege to pass it on.
Hello,

As we embark on a new year, we are happy to share stories with you this month that focus on community support in recognition of our remarkable employees both past and present. Because of your generosity, we continue to be humbled and inspired by the outpouring support. Thank you!

Liz Semaan
Executive Director
NAACP Donates Tablets to Bronson Battle Creek
The Battle Creek branch of the NAACP has presented Bronson Battle Creek Hospital with 12 Amazon Fire tablets and several Bluetooth speakers for COVID-19 patients to use to communicate with their loved ones while they are in the hospital.
 
The donation comes after the branch's president, Carey Whitfield, spent nearly a month at Bronson Battle Creek Hospital last fall fighting COVID-19. “I was so glad to have my cell phone and laptop to keep in contact with my wife since she was unable to visit in person,” he said. “I wanted to make sure other patients were able to stay in touch with their family and friends as well.”
 
Kirk Richardson, senior vice president for community care at Bronson, says, "For patients in the hospital, an important part of healing is staying connected with their family and loved ones. We are thankful to Mr. Whitfield and the NAACP for their generosity and partnership in improving the health of our community." 
Friends Honor Former Bronson Employee
Kenny Powell was an employee of Bronson for more than 40 years. He is remembered for his dedication, accomplishments, and his connection throughout the Bronson community. Sadly, Powell passed away in 2011 from cancer but his friends and family are committed to ensure his memory lives on.

In remembrance, a group of individuals established a Donor Advised Fund (DAF) to honor and continue Powell's legacy at Bronson. This fund will be used to fulfill projects that would have been meaningful to Powell.
Eight Nurses Receive Scholarships
Eight Bronson nurses across our healthcare system received scholarships to help pursue their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing. This scholarship is made possible through the Margaret H. Varney Scholarship Endowment.

“At Bronson, everything we do is about getting better, doing the right thing, and bringing you the best possible care,” explains Denise Neely, senior vice president and chief operating officer at Bronson Methodist Hospital and chief nursing officer at Bronson Healthcare. “The healthcare industry is constantly evolving. Ensuring our nurses have the resources needed to obtain a bachelor’s and/or master’s degree helps them grow professionally. With advanced degrees, our nurses build new skills and knowledge that they can bring back to their practice, so they are even more prepared to take on the challenges we face every day. Advanced education not only benefits the student, but the entire profession and practice of nursing as well.”
Family Generously Honors Past Bronson NICU Nurse
Gretchen Vanders' exemplary career as a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) nurse at Bronson Methodist Hospital extended more than forty years. She was part of the remarkable development of the field of Neonatology, the treatment of premature and ill babies. Vander's work as a NICU nurse touched an incredible number of babies, their families, and her colleagues. 

In memory of her career and to support the incredible work of NICU nurses, her family has come together to create the Gretchen K. Vanders Memorial NICU Nurses Donor Advised Fund, which will support Bronson's NICU and specifically focus on nursing staff.