COVID-19, Spectrum Health Lakeland

Center for Better Health Services Remain Available in 2021

BENTON HARBOR, Mich., Jan. 11, 2021 – The Center for Better Health, established in October 2020 with funding from the Michigan Coronavirus Task Force on Racial Disparities, will continue to provide services in the Benton Harbor community in 2021. Beginning Tuesday, January 12, the center, located at 100 W. Main Street in Benton Harbor, will operate Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This continued service is supported by the Health Equity Endowment Fund established by Spectrum Health Lakeland in June 2020.

Staff at the Center for Better Health are available to assist with employment opportunities, government benefits, legal navigation, mental health counseling, social service navigation, and health coaching, among other services. Health screenings and immunizations are available including flu shots, blood pressure readings, virtual doctor appointments, cholesterol and blood sugar checks, and body fat analysis. Area residents can also obtain free personal protective equipment including masks, hand sanitizer, and soap.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has been a deeply painful experience for our nation and has elevated the widespread health challenges faced by many communities of color,” said Lynn Todman, PhD, vice president of health equity, Spectrum Health Lakeland. “The Center for Better Health offers a unique opportunity to help narrow racial health inequities by providing care and support close to where people live. My hope is that the center will strengthen the relationship between Spectrum Health Lakeland and the Benton Harbor community.”

Since opening in October 2020, the Center for Better Health has served more than 225 community members, provided nearly 500 personal protective kits, and administered almost 5,000 COVID-19 tests in partnership with InterCare Community Health Network. COVID-19 testing will continue to be offered by InterCare in the parking lot at Benton Harbor High School, located at 870 Colfax Avenue, through March 31, 2021. Testing will be covered by insurance. More information is available at intercare.org/covid-19.

For more information on the Center for Better Health and available services, call 269.408.2258 or visit shlcenterforbetterhealth.org  

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People are at the heart of everything we do, and the inspiration for our legacy of outstanding outcomes, innovation, strong community partnerships, philanthropy and transparency. Corewell Health is a not-for-profit health system that provides health care and coverage with an exceptional team of 60,000+ dedicated people—including more than 11,500 physicians and advanced practice providers and more than 15,000 nurses providing care and services in 21 hospitals, 300+ outpatient locations and several post-acute facilities—and Priority Health, a provider-sponsored health plan serving more than 1.3 million members. Through experience and collaboration, we are reimagining a better, more equitable model of health and wellness. For more information, visit corewellhealth.org.

Contact:
Katie Romero
Communications Specialist
Office: 269.927.5271
Mobile: 269.470.2558
Email: katie.romero@corewellhealth.org