We are deeply saddened by the loss of Dick Sarns, a dear friend and longtime supporter of Packard Health. Alongside his beloved wife Norma, Dick served as an Honorary Chair and key donor to our Campaign for Expansion, and their dedication to accessible, compassionate care has left a mark on this community that will endure for generations.

A visionary engineer and entrepreneur, Dick dedicated his life to making the world a healthier, better place — giving generously of his time, resources, and heart to the causes and community he loved.

As Dick liked to say: “To be continued.” His legacy at Packard Health will be. Our deepest condolences to Norma, their family, and all who loved him.

https://obits.mlive.com/…/name/richard-sarns-obituary…

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Packard Health Expands to Promote Health Care Access

$8M Capital Campaign Nearing Completion; Linh and Dug Song Issue $250K Challenge Match

Ann Arbor, MI – For almost 50 years, Packard Health has provided services to the underserved and underinsured in Washtenaw County, where approximately 52,000 people live below the poverty line and many are still without health insurance. Between 2015 and 2019, Packard’s patient volume doubled. In response, the organization began planning a major expansion to significantly increase health care access in the County.

Packard’s expansion plan calls for the relocation of its original health care facility at 3174 Packard Road to 2650 Carpenter Road, one mile away, this summer. The new location is modern and light-filled, and with more than twicethe square footage as the original, it will allow for state-of-the-art care. The plan also includes adding a fourth health care facility at 5200 Venture Drive, off South State Street. The building and ten acres of surrounding property were donated to Packard Health in late 2019 by Dick and Norma Sarns, NuStep founders.

“There really isn’t anything more important than our health,” said Dick Sarns. He and his wife Norma have been supporters of Packard Health for more than a quarter of a century. Health, wellness, and caring for vulnerable individuals have been central to their life work. “We have invested in Packard Health because we believe in its mission. We support its vision. Norma added, “At Packard Health, all patients are treated with dignity and respect.”

Packard Health views health care as a human right. Its team of primary care, behavioral health, addiction treatment, and supportive services professionals is committed to providing high-quality care. Each year, Packard serves over 12,000 patients through an integrated care model at each of its three neighborhood-based locations and at satellite locations throughout Washtenaw County.

To fund its expansion, Packard Health launched the quiet phase of an $8,000,000 fundraising campaign, the Campaign for Expansion, in early 2020. Despite the pandemic, Packard has raised all but $1,000,000 of its goal, thanks to the generosity of private individuals, corporations, and foundations. The support of an anonymous challenge match donor, offered in early 2020, gave a significant $3,000,000 boost toward the overall campaign goal. 

When Linh and Dug Song, local philanthropists, heard about Packard’s plans, they made a $250,000 Challenge Match to help complete the campaign. “We deeply appreciate Packard’s longstanding commitment to making quality, affordable health care accessible to all people in our community. The global pandemic has exposed systemic injustices and magnified inequities experienced by so many. Good health is a critical building block for improving quality of life and addressing social injustice. We are pleased to be able to help Packard Health overcome disparities in health care today, while building a more equitable future for people in our community,” said the Songs.

All gifts and pledges made to the campaign starting May 15, 2021 are being matched dollar-for-dollar, up to a total of $250,000, through the Song Family Fund held at the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation. 

Packard Health was founded in 1973 by Jerry Walden, MD, with the goal of making quality health care accessible for everyone. Today, Packard’s work extends beyond its three current health locations, two in Ann Arbor and one in Ypsilanti. To ensure patients receive the best continued care regardless of socioeconomic status, Packard works in partnership with the Delonis Center (Shelter Association of Washtenaw County), Avalon Housing at Miller Manor, Dawn Farm, Home of New Vision, Food Gatherers, Corner Health Center, Washtenaw County Community Mental Health, St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor Hospital, Michigan Medicine, and many others. “If we look at providing more services to the community, I really think that these partnerships are how you weave a stronger safety net,” said Raymond Rion, MD, Executive Director of Packard Health since 2008.

Sharon Moore, longtime Packard patient and member of the Board of Directors, says, “Packard has always sought to show patients how valuable they are and that their care is important.”

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For more information about Packard’s expansion plan and campaign to fund it:
Media Toolkit
Campaign for Expansion Webpage

Packard Health is a Federally Qualified Health Center, promoting access to health and wellness for individuals and families in Washtenaw County. We provide high-quality, affordable primary care and behavioral health care, complemented by a broad range of fully integrated supportive services. We care for patients at every stage of life and believe that everyone deserves access to health care. Packard Health has been serving the medical needs of our community’s residents for 48 years. To learn more, visit packardhealth.org.

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