As part of National Health Center Week, Packard Health was pleased to welcome U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (MI-06) and U.S. Representative Analilia Mejia (NJ-10) for a discussion with staff and board members about the vital role community health centers play in improving access to care and the potential impact of upcoming federal Medicaid changes. Representatives Dingell and Mejia have been outspoken about concerns that proposed Medicaid reductions could affect patients, healthcare providers, and communities nationwide.

During the visit, Packard Health leaders shared the challenges community health centers are facing today and the concerns surrounding future Medicaid policy changes. The conversation focused on how Medicaid helps connect patients to primary care, behavioral health services, preventive care, and chronic disease management, and how changes to the program could create barriers to care for many individuals and families.

The discussion also highlighted the importance of strong local partnerships in advancing community health. Packard Health works closely with healthcare providers, schools, social service agencies, housing organizations, and other community partners to address both medical needs and the social factors that influence health outcomes. These collaborations help ensure patients have access to coordinated care, supportive services, and resources that promote long-term health and well-being.

National Health Center Week is an opportunity to recognize the essential work of community health centers and the partnerships that make that work possible. Packard Health was grateful for the opportunity to share the experiences of our patients and care teams and to demonstrate the important role community health centers play in strengthening the health of our region.

We thank Representatives Dingell and Mejia for taking the time to visit Packard Health, engage with our staff and board members, and discuss the future of healthcare access for the communities we serve.

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Life gets busy, and we know getting to an in-person appointment isn’t always possible — whether it’s work, transportation, childcare, or simply not feeling well enough to travel.

And sometimes, you may just feel more comfortable talking with your care team from the privacy of your own home.

Telehealth lets you connect with your Packard Health care team by video or phone from home, work, or wherever you are, so you never have to choose between your schedule and your health.

Getting started is simple. Just contact us to see if you’re a candidate for a telehealth appointment, and our team will walk you through everything you need. All you need is a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera and internet connection. Your visit is private, secure, and covered by most insurance plans the same way an in-person visit would be.

Your health shouldn’t have to wait. If you’re overdue for a visit or have something on your mind, reach out today and let us find a time that works for you — no travel required.

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At Packard Health, we believe the best care happens when patients and care teams work together — and that starts with listening. That’s why we’re looking for current patients to join our Patient Advisory Committee (PAC).

The PAC brings patients and staff together to tackle real questions: How can we communicate better? How do we make sure every patient feels heard? Your input helps us find the answers.

The best part? You don’t need any special qualifications or experience to join. No credentials, no formal background in healthcare. You just need to be a current Packard Health patient who’s willing to share your experiences, listen to others, and think about how your perspective might help people across our community.

We especially want to hear from patients who reflect the diversity of the people we serve — different backgrounds, cultures, languages, ages, and life experiences. The more voices we have at the table, the better care we can provide for everyone.

Have you ever left an appointment with an idea about how something could have gone better? Have you navigated a health challenge and learned something along the way? That’s exactly the kind of perspective we’re looking for.

This is a real opportunity to shape the care your community receives — and it starts with your story.

Learn more about the PAC and find out how you can join this important team.

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Twenty years ago Jerry and Julie Walden listened to an articulate and compassionate woman speak at Life Lessons, an integrated cardiac wellness program at St. Joseph Mercy’s Michigan Heart and Vascular Institute. Dr. Jerry Walden, Packard Health founder, recruited her on the spot to join his small clinic.

This month, Karen Koeppe, Registered Dietitian, Nutritionist, and Certified Diabetes Educator, retired from Packard Health after 20 years of service.

To chat with Karen is to understand how countless patients have improved their lives working with her…and to appreciate what Jerry Walden saw so many years ago.

Here are 4 things we admire so much about Karen.  

Essential team player
When a patient comes to Packard, they join forces with a primary provider, maybe a mental health therapist or addiction specialist, and often a chronic disease manager, Karen. Everyone works closely together, communicating, coordinating, listening. It’s not idle talk when a patient exclaims, “That Karen, she’s awesome!” 

Empowering Educator
There could be a sign on Karen’s office door saying “knowledge is power”. That’s what you feel when you step inside. You have the power to understand your chronic disease – and you have the power to make choices. Karen helped patients live the life they chose. As she says, “I put the patient in the driver’s seat.” Knowledgeable, compassionate, motivating, and non-judging, she was the perfect person for the job.

Energetic Can Do-er
Working at Packard Health is a roll-up-your-sleeves-and-get-it-done endeavor. Karen was great at it. She’s helped Packard achieve and maintain a blue-ribbon certification of care – Blue Cross, Blue Shield Patient Centered Medical Home. She’s shared her knowledge in team presentations on Social Determinants of Health to UM medical students. Maybe you’ve seen her representing Packard at Ann Arbor’s annual CROP walk or at a table after your church service. She’s run down grants to fund home blood pressure monitors, and nutritional supplements for cancer patients. Packard Health Fair? Karen was there to help.

Strong Community Builder 
“What I love about Packard is that right from the beginning it was designed to create community,” says Karen. She was an early adopter and developer of Diabetes Group Medical Appointments, where patients share their experiences, learn from each other, and find hope. And here’s to the Packard Pacers! Karen created the summer walking group (2005-2018) that hiked the trails of County Farm Park, supported each other, adopted healthy habits. and found fun and friendship along the way. Watch video.  

In 2000 Karen joined Packard Community Clinic with Jerry and Julie Walden and 5 part-time providers. Today Packard Health is a Federally Qualified Health Center with comprehensive, team-based programming delivered at 3 office locations, at the medical clinic at the Delonis Center, and in partnership with Avalon Housing. As our longest serving employee, Karen can look way back, but she’s looking ahead and is excited about health and wellness services at Packard long into the future. 

Retirement? Karen will volunteer making phone calls urging people to vote, to have a voice (she’s doing that already!). She’s also looking forward to bringing her special brand of care giving to Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. After all, as Jerry Walden said so long ago, “Karen has a passion for helping and healing.”

Congratulations to Karen, a real Packard Health Champion!

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Every Friday our staff meets virtually in a video meeting that unites us across offices, homes and hearts. We take time to care for the caregivers.Dr. Ravi Vadlamudi was in Nepal during the 2015 earthquake and ran a free clinic in the aftermath of Katrina. He gave the Packard staff his very personal insights from those times. Hannah Hyde, Behavioral Health Therapist shared ways to self-care in this time of tremendous uncertainty. Although we listen remotely, the impact of these meetings is intimate and powerful.

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Meet April Bigelow, PhD, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner and Palliative Care Specialist. For our patients living with serious illness, April provides specialized care to relieve symptoms and stress. She is a skilled listener and advocate for patients and their families, and their expert communicator with all members of the care team. 

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Lori received a great honor last week – 2019 Hometown Health Hero from the Michigan Public Health Week Partnership. Lori created a program called F-SHARP (Family Shelter Assessment and Referral Program). She visits families in shelters across the county and connects them with health care at Packard and The Corner Health Center.

On her visits to INH-Alpha House, SafeHouse Center, Ozone House and Staples Family Center Lori meets with families, identifying immediate health needs, making referrals, and setting up appointments to see her at Packard Health or The Corner Health Center.

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