Resources | East Jordan Family Health Center

HDNW Reaffirms Commitment to Dental Care During DCN Transition

Rachel Krino — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 13:25:25 +0000

HDNW Reaffirms Commitment to Dental Care During DCN Transition ,East Jordan Family Health Center

Operational changes are designed to strengthen services, support employees, and ensure access to care.

The Health Department of Northwest Michigan (HDNW), serving Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet, and Otsego counties, is providing information regarding the transition of operational management for Dental Clinics North (DCN).

In recent weeks, information has circulated within our communities and employees regarding this transition. HDNW is committed to ensuring employees, patients, and community partners have clear, factual information.

At the June Board of Health meeting, the Board reviewed an evaluation of DCN’s operations. The evaluation identified operational inefficiencies that were creating financial strain for the organization. Following that review, the Board voted to terminate its existing contract with DCN Non-Profit for staffing and management services of the DCN clinics.

As a result of that action, operational leadership of the nine DCN clinics will transition directly to HDNW. HDNW owns all DCN clinics including buildings, equipment, and supplies. Currently, HDNW provides financial management, information technology, billing, facilities management, equipment, and purchasing services. Following this transition, HDNW will assume responsibility for payroll, human resources, and executive leadership.

This decision was not made without efforts of intentional collaboration with DCN Non-Profit board members and HDNW Health Officer, Shannon Klonowski.

Since notifying DCN employees of the transition, HDNW has prioritized open and transparent communication. HDNW staff, including Health Officer Klonowski, are actively visiting DCN clinic locations to meet directly with staff to answer questions and listen to their ideas for improvements. HDNW has also distributed two rounds of employee questions and answers to all DCN staff addressing common questions about the transition.

HDNW’s vision is Healthy People in Healthy Communities. That vision guides every aspect of this transition. The objective is to strengthen the long-term sustainability of all nine dental clinics by improving operational inefficiency, supporting recruitment and retention, reducing patient wait times, and enhancing the quality of care provided throughout the region.

To be clear, HDNW will not be closing any of the nine Dental Clinics North locations. The intent of this transition is to preserve and strengthen dental services for the communities we serve.

HDNW remains committed to transparency throughout this process and will continue providing timely updates as this transition progresses. Our priority is ensuring uninterrupted access to quality dental care for patients.

For more information on the transition, click here to watch the June Board of Health meeting: June Board of Health meeting. For more information on HDNW please visit our website at nwhealth.org. To stay updated on relevant health information, consider subscribing to our monthly newsletter here.

The post HDNW Reaffirms Commitment to Dental Care During DCN Transition first appeared on East Jordan Family Health Center.

Honoring Veterans and Empowering Youth Through Community Partnership

Rachel Krino — Mon, 18 May 2026 15:15:40 +0000

Honoring Veterans and Empowering Youth Through Community Partnership ,East Jordan Family Health Center

Bellaire and East Jordan Family Health Centers are proud to introduce new American flag retirement boxes at both our Bellaire and East Jordan locations as part of our continued commitment to supporting veterans and strengthening community partnerships throughout Northern Michigan.

The custom metal boxes were designed and built by advanced welding students in the Career Tech program at East Jordan Middle/High School under the leadership of welding instructor Dave Muladore.

Students Konyr Lewin, Mason Shiers, and Jonny Cosier led the project, applying their technical welding skills in a meaningful real-world setting rooted in service, patriotism, and community impact. Toby Prevo Residential Services also assisted with painting and finishing the boxes.

The completed flag retirement boxes are located in the entryways of both Health Center locations and provide community members with a respectful and accessible way to retire worn or damaged American flags in accordance with proper flag etiquette.

Bellaire and East Jordan Family Health Centers will work alongside community partners including local Girl Scout troops, the American Legion, Veterans Affairs offices, and the Antrim County Veterans group to ensure retired flags are handled and disposed of respectfully.

This initiative also supports the Health Centers’ growing Veteran SALUTE programming and ongoing efforts to better serve veterans through both Primary Care and Behavioral Health services.

The ECRI SALUTE initiative focuses on helping healthcare organizations better understand and respond to the unique physical and mental health needs veterans may face, including service-related injuries, toxic exposures, and mental health concerns.

“This project brought together two important areas of growth within our Behavioral Health programming, veterans and youth,” said Cynthia Pepin, Behavioral Health Director at Bellaire and East Jordan Family Health Centers. “It created an opportunity for students to use their talents in service to veterans and our community while also helping raise awareness about the importance of accessible veteran support services locally.”

Each student involved in the project brought unique goals and experiences to the work:

Mason Shiers plans to continue his welding education and pursue advanced certifications.
Jonny Cosier regularly applies welding skills through work on his family’s farm.
Konyr Lewin values welding as a practical skill that promotes independence and self-sufficiency.

Expanding Veteran Behavioral Health Services

As part of the Health Centers’ growing Veteran SALUTE initiative, Bellaire and East Jordan Family Health Centers continue expanding support services for veterans throughout Northern Michigan.

Behavioral Health services are available to veterans regardless of whether they are established primary care patients of the Health Center, helping reduce barriers to accessing care locally. Bellaire and East Jordan Family Health Centers also accept TRICARE insurance.

The initiative focuses on improving awareness, access, and support for veterans facing service-related physical and mental health challenges while strengthening partnerships throughout the community.

We are grateful to East Jordan Public Schools, Dave Muladore, Toby Prevo Residential Services, our student welders, and all participating veteran organizations for helping bring this project to life.

The post Honoring Veterans and Empowering Youth Through Community Partnership first appeared on East Jordan Family Health Center.

FREE MHSAA Sports Physicals – 2026

Rachel Krino — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 13:28:17 +0000

FREE MHSAA Sports Physicals – 2026 ,East Jordan Family Health Center

Bellaire and East Jordan Family Health Centers are proud to support local student athletes and promote healthy, active lifestyles by offering Free MHSAA Athletic Physicals this June.

The events will take place at both locations:

Bellaire Family Health Center: June 18, 8 to 10 am
East Jordan Family Health Center: June 25, 8 to 10 am

Appointments are required and can be scheduled by calling each location directly. Students will be required to have a completed permission form and MHSAA Physical form signed by a parent/ guardian.

Forms:

Participation in youth sports plays an important role in a child’s physical, mental, and social development. From building strength and coordination to improving confidence, teamwork, and resilience, sports help lay the foundation for lifelong healthy habits.

“Staying active through sports is one of the best ways for children and teens to support their overall health,” said Joelle Woodruff, DNP, Medical Director. “These physicals help ensure athletes are safe to participate, but they are just one piece of a child’s overall healthcare.”

While sports physicals are often required for school athletics, they are more limited in scope than a Well Child Visit, which provides a comprehensive annual checkup. Well Child Visits include growth and development monitoring, preventive screenings, vaccinations, and the opportunity to address any health concerns, and can also include a sports physical.

“Athletic Physicals are a great way to meet immediate needs and allow student-athletes to participate in sports,” said Joelle Woodruff, DNP, Medical Director. “We encourage families to think about their child’s long-term health by scheduling annual Well Child Visits and establishing care with a primary care provider.”

Families attending the events will also have the opportunity to connect with the health center for ongoing care. Bellaire and East Jordan Family Health Centers provide quality, affordable, comprehensive care for patients of all ages, regardless of ability to pay, and remain committed to supporting the health and well-being of the communities they serve.

To schedule an appointment for a Free Sports Physical, call:

Bellaire: 231-533-8649
East Jordan: 231-536-2206

The post FREE MHSAA Sports Physicals – 2026 first appeared on East Jordan Family Health Center.

Northwest Food Coalition

Rachel Krino — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 14:58:42 +0000

Northwest Food Coalition ,East Jordan Family Health Center

The Northwest Food Coalition’s mission is to empower member food programs by coordinating and creating resources to achieve regional food security.

The formation of Northwest Food Coalition goes back to 1994, when the Hunger Action Coalition of Detroit reached out to 7 groups around the state to assess hunger and poverty in rural Michigan We were part of a grass roots movement who formed to assist area pantries in dealing with hunger, gathering resources for them, educating the public on needs and strengthening volunteers through a network that gathered and distributed needed food.

Since our inception, our group now includes roughly 70 food pantries, baby pantries and meal sites in 6 counties to address those hunger needs. Through the generous gifts of time, money and food, we are making a difference in the lives of those people who have needs and offer fellowship and caring to their neighbors. The Coalition members provide more than a can of soup or a sandwich, but also demonstrate the caring of one human being for another.

A Support Organization For Area Food Pantries
Mailing Address For Monetary Donations:
3963 N Three Mile Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686

Attn: Rachael Cougler – Coordinator, Northwest Food Coalition

Contact Us

231-642-4702

coordinator@northwestmifoodcoalition.org

Facebook

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MSU Extension – Online Health Programs – Winter 2024

Rachel Krino — Tue, 12 Dec 2023 20:11:32 +0000

MSU Extension – Online Health Programs – Winter 2024 ,East Jordan Family Health Center

Free Educational Health Classes:
Michigan State University Extension offers a variety of educational programs to help you, your family, your
clients and your patients live healthy lives. We invite you to go to our “Learn More/Refer To Our Programs”
web page to explore all our health-related classes. You can also use this web page to refer a friend, family
member or neighbor to classes you think would be of benefit to them.

Online Classes:

A Matter of Balance

A Matter of Balance, Tuesdays & Thursdays, Jan. 9, 2024 through Feb. 6, 2024, 9:30-11:30am ET

A Matter of Balance, Wednesdays, Jan. 17, 2024 through Mar. 6, 2024, 1-3pm ET

Chronic Disease Self-Management Program

Chronic Pain PATH Telephone Workshop, Tuesdays, Jan. 23, 2024 through Feb. 27, 2024, 11am-12pm ET

Chronic Pain PATH, Thursdays, Jan. 25, 2024 through Feb. 29, 2024, 1:30-3:30pm ET

Chronic Disease PATH, Thursdays, Feb. 1, 2024 through Mar. 7, 2024, 10am-12pm ET

Diabetes PATH, Tuesdays, Feb. 20, 2024 through Mar. 26, 2024, 1:30-3:30pm ET

Chronic Disease PATH Telephone Toolkit, Wednesdays, Feb. 28, 2024 through April 3, 2024 1-2:00pm ET

Chronic Pain PATH, Mondays, Mar. 4, 2024, through April 15, 2024, 2-4pm ET

Diabetes PATH, Wednesdays, March 13, 2024 through April 17, 2024, 1:00-3:00pm ET

Mindfulness Classes

2024 Healthy Lifestyle Choices, Mondays & Wednesdays, Jan. 15 through March 6, 2024, 10-11:30am ET

Stress Less with Mindfulness, Tuesdays, Jan. 23, 2024, through Feb. 20, 2024, 6-7pm ET

Stress Less with Mindfulness, Tuesday & Thursdays, Jan. 23, 25, 30, Feb. 1 & 6, 2024, 1-2:00pm ET

February Self-Care Series, Thursdays, Feb. 8, 2024, through Feb. 29, 2024, 12-1pm Stress Less with Mindfulness, Daily, March 18 through March 22, 2024, 1:30-2:30pm ET

Powerful Tools for Caregivers Program

Powerful Tools for Caregivers: Tuesdays, Feb. 20, 2024 through March 26, 2024, 1:00-2:30pm ET

RELAX: Alternatives to Anger Education

RELAX Alternatives to Anger, Wednesdays, Jan. 10, through Jan. 31, 2024, 10-11:30am ET RELAX Alternatives to Anger, Thursdays, Jan. 4, through Jan. 25, 2024, 8-9:30am ET

RELAX Alternatives to Anger, Tuesdays and Thursdays, Jan. 23, 25, 30, Feb. 1, 2024, 8-9am ET RELAX Alternatives to Anger, Daily, Feb. 19 through Feb. 22, 2024, 1:30-2:30pm ET

SLEEP Education Classes

Sleep Education for Everyone, Fridays, Jan. 12, 2024, through Feb. 16, 2024, 12-12:30pm ET

Sleep Education for Everyone, Thursdays, Jan. 18, 2024, through Feb. 22, 2024, 10-10:30am ET Sleep Education for Everyone, Thursdays, Jan. 25, through Feb. 29, 2024, 9:30-10am ET

Sleep Education for Everyone, Wednesdays, Feb. 7, 2024, through Mar. 13, 2024, 7:30-8pm ET

Tai Chi Classes

Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention, Tue. & Thu., Jan. 9, 2024, through Mar. 7, 2024, 9-10am ET

Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention, Mon. & Fri., Jan. 10, 2024, through Mar. 8, 2024, 7-8am ET

Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention, Mon. & Wed., Jan. 22, 2024, through Mar. 13, 2024 9-10am ET

Walk with Ease Classes

Walk with Ease, Jan. 8, 2024, through Feb. 12, 2024, Self-Paced, Weekly communication via email

Walk with Ease, Feb. 5, 2024, through March 11, 2024, Self-Paced, Weekly communication via email

The post MSU Extension – Online Health Programs – Winter 2024 first appeared on East Jordan Family Health Center.

Free Virtual Baby Showers (November and December)

Rachel Krino — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 15:25:33 +0000

Free Virtual Baby Showers (November and December) ,East Jordan Family Health Center

MDHHS hosting three, free virtual baby showers in November and December for new or expecting families

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is hosting three virtual baby fairs for new or expecting parents in November and December. At the events, families will have opportunities to learn about available resources, important health and safety information and ask questions directly to program experts.

The events are free of charge and occurring on the following dates and times:

Wednesday, November 29, from 9 to 11 a.m.
Wednesday, November 29, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Tuesday, December 5, from 9 to 11 a.m.

The following MDHHS programs are participating in this event:

Care for MiWell
Newborn Screening
Michigan BioTrust for Health
Infant Safe Sleep
Women, Infants, & Children (WIC)
Immunizations
Early Hearing Detection and Intervention
Birth Defects Education and Outreach
Breastfeeding Support
Childhood Lead Prevention Education
Vital Records
Michigan Home Visiting Initiative
Maternal Infant Health Program
Children’s Special Health Care Services
Eat Safe Fish
Unintentional Injury Prevention
Oral Health Program
PFAS Education
Michigan Maternal Mortality Surveillance, Hear Her Michigan Campaign

Participants can register for one of these sessions online. For questions related to this event or to request baby fair resource materials as a printed document, please email MDHHS-VirtualBabyFair@michigan.gov.

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Michigan School & Childcare Immunization Requirements

Rachel Krino — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 13:25:21 +0000

Michigan School & Childcare Immunization Requirements ,East Jordan Family Health Center

Whenever children are brought into group settings, there is a chance for diseases to spread. Children must follow state vaccine laws to attend school. These laws are the minimum standard to help prevent disease outbreaks in school settings. The best way to protect your child from other serious diseases is to follow the recommended vaccination schedule at www.cdc.gov/vaccines. Talk to your health care provider to make sure your child is fully protected.

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Manna Food Project

Rachel Krino — Mon, 28 Aug 2023 17:16:49 +0000

Manna Food Project ,East Jordan Family Health Center

https://mannafoodproject.org/

Feeding the Hungry Throughout the North

Manna Food Project is a local nonprofit food bank that serves three counties in Northern Michigan. We help feed the hungry in Antrim, Charlevoix, and Emmet counties in Northwest Michigan.

Manna is a partner organization of the Feeding America Food Bank Network and is funded entirely through the generosity of individuals, corporations, and foundations.

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Hunger Free America

Rachel Krino — Mon, 28 Aug 2023 17:13:12 +0000

Hunger Free America ,East Jordan Family Health Center

Find food assistance anywhere: https://findfood.hungerfreeamerica.org

The post Hunger Free America first appeared on East Jordan Family Health Center.

The Meet Up and Eat Up Summer Food Service Program

Rachel Krino — Mon, 28 Aug 2023 17:12:23 +0000

The Meet Up and Eat Up Summer Food Service Program ,East Jordan Family Health Center

This program provides children and teens with healthy, nutritious meals that contain essential nutrients that promote healthier bodies and lifestyles. The sites that provide the summer meals are always safe and local.

Find a Site Near You

The post The Meet Up and Eat Up Summer Food Service Program first appeared on East Jordan Family Health Center.