COVID-19


Major Michigan Health Systems Transition to Optional Masking

MICHIGAN, April 13, 2023 – After three years of caring for patients throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, many of Michigan’s major health systems are making masking optional in most areas over the next week. Factors influencing the Michigan health systems to work together to make this decision include: The number of COVID-19 inpatients has drastically declined […]



Spectrum Health Closing 1300 Michigan Drive-Through COVID-19 Testing Site

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., July 27, 2022 – Spectrum Health is closing one of the first drive-through COVID-19 testing sites in Michigan after nearly a half million tests. Dating back to the early days of the pandemic in March 2020, the property at 1300 Michigan Street, NE in Grand Rapids served as one of the first […]



OPINION: One year later, my hope remains.

By: Marc McClelland, MD, pulmonary and critical care, Spectrum Health One year ago this week, I became the first person in the state of Michigan (outside of a clinical trial) to receive a Covid vaccine.  The mood at the time was electric, brimming with optimism.  A photographer documented the moment of triumph.  After nine long […]



Spectrum Health Reminds Community to Utilize Alternative Same Day Health Care Services for Cold and Flu

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Dec. 7, 2021—Due to the rapid increase of patients with COVID-19 and other serious health conditions across West Michigan, Spectrum Health’s emergency rooms and Urgent Care centers are experiencing significantly higher volumes. To help minimize the added strain on these important services and to treat patients faster, Spectrum Health is urging the […]



Spectrum Health Announces New Visitor Restrictions

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Nov. 23, 2021 – As a result of increasing numbers of patients admitted with COVID-19 and hospitals at or near capacity throughout West Michigan, Spectrum Health is revising its visitor policies to reduce the number of people in its Grand Rapids and regional hospitals and outpatient care sites. “Spectrum Health is happy […]



Spectrum Health collaboration tackles mistrust, supports Black vaccination efforts

Grand Rapids, Mich., Nov. 22, 2021— Spectrum Health is partnering with Michigan State University, Mercy Health, as well as Kent and Muskegon counties to tackle several influential factors affecting COVID-19 vaccination rates in West Michigan Black communities where numbers are low. “Vulnerability to COVID-19 is impacted by factors like socioeconomic status, disability, racism, language, housing […]



A Letter to Region 6 Communities

**Sharing on behalf of Region 6 Healthcare Coalition** Nov. 16, 2021–The health care systems within Region 6 are at a tipping point – our individual and collective resources are being overwhelmed, and we need our communities’ help to get back on track. For all Michigan Region 6 care providers, the health and well-being of our […]



Spectrum Health Expands Access to Monoclonal Antibody Therapy and Treatment of COVID-19 Patients

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Oct. 20, 2021 – Spectrum Health is expanding access to monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapy in Grand Rapids and throughout the region. Spectrum Health opened its Blodgett Hospital COVID-19 Infusion Clinic for mAb treatment in December 2020. The Blodgett clinic has expanded its treatment area to serve more patients and a mobile clinic […]



Spectrum Health nationally recognized for efforts to reduce worker stress and burnout

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Oct. 7, 2021— Spectrum Health is a recipient of the American Medical Association’s 2021 Joy in Medicine™ Health System Recognition Program. The national distinction recognizes health systems with a demonstrated commitment to preserving the well-being of health care team members by engaging in proven efforts to combat work-related stress and burnout. Spectrum […]



Spectrum Health Announces New Visitor Restrictions

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Sept. 8, 2021 – As a result of increasing numbers of patients admitted with COVID-19 and the increase in community positivity rate, Spectrum Health is revising its visitor policies to reduce the number of people in its Grand Rapids and regional hospitals and outpatient care sites. Effective Wednesday, Sept. 8, patients are […]



Physician & Nurse leaders from 21 hospital systems across Michigan plead for vaccinations

DETROIT, Mich. (Sept. 1, 2021) – Medical leaders from 21 hospital systems signed an open letter to Michigan residents pleading for people to get vaccinated (please see the letter in its entirety below). The letter comes after an increase of COVID-19 cases across the state, which leaders warn could turn into a fourth wave. “Chief […]



Spectrum Health and HHS partner to expand access to monoclonal antibody therapy and treatment of COVID-19 patients

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., July 21, 2021 – Spectrum Health, in partnership with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), announced today that it is expanding access to COVID-19 monoclonal antibody therapy (mAb) to reach more individuals, especially those in underserved and disadvantaged communities. […]