News from the Western Regional Community Consortium

Fall Health Fair at WMU College of Health and Human Services

The success of the Western Michigan University College of Health and Human Services Fall Health Fair is best characterized by excellent partnering and meaningful collaboration. The event brought together five partners/programs, four schools, three buses, and two school districts, all with one goal: exploring health careers and educational paths for high school students in Western Michigan. Maria Roche-Dean, assistant professor at WMU Bronson School of Nursing, played a key role in connecting the partners and programs to create a day of learning and inspiration.

This collaborative effort involved the Western Regional Community Consortium (WRCC), WMU Upward Bound Program, WMU MI Gear Up Program and WMU College of Health and Human Services. Students from East Kentwood Freshman Campus, Kalamazoo Central High School, Loy Norrix High School and Innovation Central High School were invited to WMU's campus. During the event, 40 students earned a CPR Certification through a CPR class, while another 40 students experienced rotations in health career introductions, including Health Administration, Speech Language Pathology, Dietetics, Nursing and Respiratory Therapy. The day was filled with activity, providing students with valuable insights into health careers. All collaborators have agreed to make this an annual event in November.

Spring 2024 WM Health Career Pipeline Program (HCPP) Programming and Planning

Sixteen Michigan State University medical students are diligently developing educational and health career-focused sessions for Spring 2024 WM HCPP at Western Michigan University. In previous years, the program was delivered virtually through Zoom, but with support from program partners and funding, it will now feature two face-to-face sessions. This addition enhances participant interaction, engagement with the curriculum, and session presentations due to the available space functionality. The program, starting on January 29th, spans eight weeks and involves WMU student mentors and Grand Rapids area high school students.

AHEC Scholar Spotlight: Bruke Abenet

Bruke Abenet is a second year resident at Western Michigan University Stryker Homer School of Medicine Family Medicine Residency program. Although Bruke only started with AHEC Scholars this past fall, he has a positive impression of his Scholar experience so far.  “My participation in AHEC Scholars program has allowed me to explore my curiosity regarding the intricate ways healthcare is impacted by external barriers. It has allowed me to recognize that cultural and social barriers directly impact the quality of care. To bridge this gap, all healthcare professionals must question their role and obligation and find ways they can commit their daily practice to promote health equity. Through my continued participation, I hope to explore and discover my own pathway that can address such shortcomings of modern healthcare.”