Bellaire and East Jordan Family Health Centers are proud to celebrate Hailey and Ivy on their graduation from Northern Michigan University, where they each earned a master’s degree in social work.

Their journey reflects the success of the Health Centers’ “Grow Our Own” initiative, which supports students and interns as they transition into meaningful careers within our organization. Through this program, Hailey and Ivy have gained hands-on experience, built strong relationships with patients and staff, and developed the skills needed to serve our community.

Hailey has been serving as a case manager and will now expand her role as a behavioral health counselor. In this position, she will continue supporting patients with mental health and substance use-related needs, helping them navigate care and improve their overall well-being.

Ivy will take on a key role in community outreach through the Rural Health Transformation Grant awarded by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Her work will focus on strengthening community connections and expanding access to care in rural areas. In addition, Ivy will serve as an integrated behavioral health counselor when needed.

“We are incredibly proud of Hailey and Ivy and the dedication they’ve shown to their education and our patients,” said [insert quote if desired]. “Their growth is a powerful example of how investing in people strengthens the care we provide.”

Please join us in congratulating Hailey and Ivy on this achievement. Their commitment to social work and community well-being will continue to make a meaningful impact across Antrim and Charlevoix counties.

As the Bellaire and East Jordan Family Health Centers grew, so did the needs of the communities we serve.

What began as a primary care clinic evolved into something more, a place where patients could access a wide range of services in one location, supported by a coordinated care team.

This growth wasn’t about adding services for the sake of expansion. It was about responding to real challenges patients faced every day.

• Access to medications.
• Support for mental health.
• Managing chronic conditions.
• Receiving timely diagnostics close to home.

Over time, services expanded to meet those needs.

The opening of the East Jordan Family Pharmacy in 2005 improved access to affordable medications and strengthened continuity of care. Behavioral health services became more integrated, helping patients address both physical and mental health in one setting. Care management programs supported those with chronic conditions, ensuring patients had guidance between visits, not just during them.

More recently, investments in diagnostic technology, including 3D mammography, have brought advanced care closer to home, reducing the need for travel and improving early detection.

These changes transformed how care is delivered. Instead of navigating multiple systems, patients can receive more complete, connected care from a team that works together.

That is what service expansion has always meant at the Health Center, not just more services, but better care.

As we continue celebrating 50 years, May is a reminder that growth is not just about where we are, it is about what we are able to provide, and how we continue to meet the needs of those we serve.

Did You Know?

The East Jordan Family Pharmacy opened on Main Street in 2005, helping reduce prescription costs and improve medication access for patients, especially those without insurance. Pharmacy services relocated to Bridge Street in 2013 following the renovation that added space for pharmacy, lab and registration services and 9 exam rooms.

Taking care of your health includes routine STI testing.

Chlamydia is common, especially for people ages 16–24, and often has no symptoms. 

The good news? Testing is quick, simple, and confidential. 

Who Should Get Tested 

• Sexually active individuals under 25  
• Anyone with a new partner  
• Anyone who wants peace of mind  

Why It Matters 

• Most people with chlamydia have no symptoms  
• Early detection makes treatment simple  
• Protects your long-term reproductive health  

What to Expect 

• Quick and easy testing  
• Private and respectful care  
• Support from a trusted care team  

Ready to get tested? 

Call to schedule an appointment:
Bellaire: 231-533-8649
East Jordan: 231-536-2206 

Not a patient yet? You’re welcome here. 

Testing can be part of your primary care visit, helping you stay healthy now and in the future.

By the late 1990s and early 2000s, the East Jordan Family Health Center had reached an important moment in its history. The organization was no longer just responding to a local need, it was being called upon to help neighboring communities facing the same challenges.

When the Burns Clinic in Bellaire faced closure in 1999, the impact would have been immediate. Patients would lose access to care. Families would be forced to travel. A community would be left without a healthcare provider.

The decision to step in was not easy. It came with financial risk, operational strain, and uncertainty. But it came down to something simple, the mission.

So the Health Center said yes.

On October 1, 1999, Bellaire Family Health Center became part of the organization, preserving access to care and reinforcing a growing role as a regional provider.

Just a few years later, history repeated itself. In Central Lake, a retiring physician once again created a gap in care. Once again, the Health Center was asked to step in. And once again, the answer was yes.

In 2003, the Central Lake Family Health Center opened, expanding access and continuing a pattern that would define the organization’s growth, not expansion for growth’s sake, but expansion driven by community need.

These moments marked a shift. The Health Center was no longer just a single-site clinic. It had become a trusted partner, one that communities could rely on when access to care was at risk.

What made this possible was not just leadership decisions, but the same foundation built from the beginning, community trust, mission-driven thinking, and a willingness to act when it mattered most.

Today, that legacy continues. Every service we offer, every location we operate, and every patient we serve is part of that same commitment, to meet people where they are and ensure care remains close to home.

As we continue celebrating 50 years, April reminds us that growth is not just about getting bigger. It is about showing up when it matters most.

 Did You Know?

The expansion to Bellaire in 1999 and Central Lake in 2003 were both driven by potential loss of local healthcare, not strategic growth plans. The Health Center stepped in to ensure communities didn’t go without care.

During Social Work Month, the Bellaire and East Jordan Family Health Centers are proud to recognize our Integrated Behavioral Health Team.

Their work reflects the message on their shirts: Advocate • Support • Empower.

Our behavioral health professionals work alongside primary care providers to support the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of our patients. Through counseling, care coordination, and connection to community resources, they help ensure patients receive compassionate, whole-person care.

As our behavioral health program continues to grow, we remain committed to providing integrated care that supports the health and well-being of the communities we serve.

Well Child Exams: Supporting Your Child’s Health at Every Stage 

At Bellaire and East Jordan Family Health Centers, Well Child Exams are an important part of helping your child grow, learn, and stay healthy.  These visits do more than check height and weight. They help ensure your child is developing physically, emotionally, and socially, and give you time to talk with your care team about any concerns. 

What happens during a Well Child Exam? 

Your child’s visit may include: 

• Growth and developmental monitoring 
• Complete physical exam 
• Hearing and vision screenings 
• Emotional and behavioral health check-ins 
• Recommended immunizations 
• Completion of school, camp, or sports forms 
• Time to discuss sleep, nutrition, learning, and behavior 

Regular Well Child visits are recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics to help identify concerns early and keep children on track for healthy development. 

Sports Physicals and School Requirements 

Many student-athletes must complete a sports physical before participating in school athletics. According to the Michigan High School Athletic Association, sports physicals must be completed on or after April 15 to be valid for the upcoming school year.  Scheduling a Well Child Exam after April 15 can often meet both requirements, saving you an extra appointment.

MHSAA Sports Physical Form

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We’re Here to Help 

We understand families are busy. If you have concerns about scheduling, transportation, cost, or timing, our team is here to help. 
Call to schedule your child’s Well Child Exam:  Bellaire: 231-533-8649 or East Jordan: 231-536-2206

Your child’s health today builds the foundation for their future.