Joel Ibarra

The crash occurred May 1, when Ibarra attempted to pass multiple vehicles in his black Audi and struck an elderly couple’s Buick head-on.

A Wyoming, Michigan man has been charged in the crash that killed an elderly couple from Grand Rapids on May 1, in Montcalm County.

According to the Montcalm County Sheriff Department, Joel Ibarra, 26, of Wyoming, was arrested late Monday afternoon in connection with the crash that killed Raymond and Mary Wrona, both 88, of Grand Rapids. The crash occurred on May 1, about 7:18 p.m., on M-66, near Schmeid Road, in Belvidere Township.

The Wronas were traveling soutbound in a red 1999 Buick LeSabre, when Ibarra tried to pass multiple northbound vehicles in his 2012 black Audi. Ibarra could not complete the pass in time, and the vehicles collided head on, on the west shoulder of the road.

Raymond Wrona, the driver of the Buick, was transported to Kelsey Hospital, where he later died. His wife, Mary, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Ibarra and his passenger, Maria Mancha, 28, from Comstock Park, were both transported to Kelsey Hospital and treated for their injuries.

Ibarra was arraigned on four charges—two charges of operating while under the influence of a controlled substance causing death and two charges of reckless driving causing death. Ibarra is currently out on a $35,000.00 bond.

Each charge carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.

The Stitchers & More group and some of the hats they’ve made.

February is American Heart Month and a fellowship group with the informal name of Stitchers & More is celebrating. They are raising awareness of heart disease by knitting red hats for all babies born in February at United Hospital in Greenville.

The Stitchers & More group began twenty years ago as a group of women who gather once a month for fellowship while crocheting, stitching, scrapbooking, and sewing. The group ranges in age from early twenties, up to their oldest member who is turning ninety this year. When asking the group what inspired them to participate in this project, the name Kaylee is spoken in unison.

“This project is dedicated to a two year old from Woodlawn Christian Reformed Church who underwent successful open heart surgery,” explained member Mary Brasser.

Heart disease remains the number one killer of Americans and congential heart defects are the most common type of birth defect in the country. Congenital heart disease is a problem with the heart’s structure and function that is present at birth. Some defects will heal on their own, over time, while others will need to be treated. Some are treated with medications and others with surgery.

“We work closely with the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Pediatric Cardiology Program when we identify an infant in need. All of our infants are screened for congenital heart disease and we also carefully monitor the cardiac health of women with congenital heart defects who are pregnant or want to become pregnant,” said Dr. Jonathan Windeler, Chief of Pediatrics at Spectrum Health United Hospital.

“We are so thankful to the Stitchers & More group for their kindness and generosity. It is our hope that this information will raise awareness of heart disease and will inspire others to participate in similar activies,” said Shelly Westbrook, Foundation Director at Spectrum Health United and Kelsey Hospitals.

For more information about the congenital heart disease, go to http://www.spectrumhealth.org/congenital-heart-disease

Joan Oberlin, center, is this year’s recipient of the Suzanne Christensen Volunteer Award.

Spectrum Health Foundation United & Kelsey Hospitals hosted a volunteer appreciation luncheon on Wednesday, November 19 in honor of United and Kelsey Hospitals’ 96 active volunteers. A highlight of this annual luncheon is the presentation of the 2014 Suzanne Christensen Volunteer Award. The Suzanne Christensen award is given annually to a recipient who has demonstrated an outstanding contribution to the Spectrum Health United Hospital and Kelsey Hospital’s community through volunteerism or other significant goodwill. It is with great pleasure and honor to announce that Joan Oberlin was this year’s recipient.

Joan has been volunteering at United Hospital and has been a Kelsey Hospital Guild member since July 2012 and recently began volunteering at Kelsey Hospital. At United Hospital, Joan delivers mail, serves as a patient and family experience volunteer, greets at the front entrance, works in the gift shop and assists with special projects in the foundation office. She serves in the special procedures area as a volunteer at Kelsey Hospital. As an active member of the Kelsey Hospital Guild, Joan helps with fundraising initiatives that support Kelsey Hospital. Joan has exhibited true dedication, enthusiasm and a giving heart. We sincerely appreciate Joan and the energy, time and compassion that she gives to United and Kelsey Hospital’s patients and staff.

Spectrum Health United and Kelsey Hospitals would like to thank Joan and the many other devoted volunteers for the dedication and support they give to help others.

Carol Sloma

A Jenison woman was killed last Wednesday, November 26, in a crash at N. Federal Road and West Almy Road in Reynolds Township.

According to the Montcalm County Sheriff Department, Carol Sloma, 68, of Jenison, was traveling westbound in a 2009 Pontiac on W. Almy Road about 5:49 p.m., when she failed to stop at the stop sign at N. Federal Road. When she entered the intersection, Sloma’s vehicle was struck on the driver’s side by a 2001 Ford F150 pickup traveling northbound on Federal.

Sloma was unconscious and not responding when police arrived. She was later extricated from her vehicle by Police, fire, and EMS personnel and then transported to Kelsey Hospital where she was later pronounced dead prior to being air lifted to Spectrum Hospital in Grand Rapids.

Her 17-year-old granddaughter, from Hudsonville, was also in the vehicle at the time of accident. She was conscious and alert on arrival and was transported to Kelsey Hospital with unknown injuries.

The driver of the Ford pickup, Brandon Beemer, 17, of Howard City, was also transported to Kelsey Hospital, where he was treated for minor injuries and later released.

Airbags deployed in both vehicles and all victims were wearing seatbelts at the time of incident. Alcohol does not appear to be a factor.

Montcalm Deputies were assisted by Montcalm County EMS Units, Life Ambulance of Newaygo, Howard City Fire Dept., Michigan State Police, and Air Care.

The accident remains under investigation.

On Sunday, December 7, the Spectrum Health Foundation United & Kelsey Hospitals will hold its annual United Hospital Tree of Lights celebration at 4 p.m. at United Hospital in Greenville. On Tuesday, December 16, at 6:30 p.m., the Kelsey Hospital Tree of Love celebration will be held at United Church of Christ, 115 W Fifth Street in Lakeview.

The Tree of Lights and Tree of Love are free community events; everyone is invited to share in these special holiday traditions. Please join us and enjoy the musical sounds of the season and delicious refreshments. Names of those being honored and remembered through the Tree of Lights and Tree of Love will be read at the corresponding event. The sponsored names will also be thoughtfully displayed in United or Kelsey Hospital throughout the holiday season.

Funds raised will support your community hospitals. This year, funds from the United Hospital Tree of Lights will help launch an Oncology (Cancer) Nurse Navigator program for Spectrum Health Regional Cancer Center at United Hospital. A nurse navigator will help coordinate the care of cancer patients, provide education about the disease process and treatment and help connect them with important services.

Funds raised through the Kelsey Hospital Tree of Love will help support the growing needs of the Lakeview Youth Clinic. The Lakeview Youth Clinic is a school-linked adolescent health center that serves 10 to 21 year-olds. Gifts to the 2014 Tree of Love will help expand Lakeview Youth Clinic services to meet the growing needs for counseling, educational programs in the Lakeview Community Schools, and other medical services.

For more information on the Tree of Lights and Tree of Love, please visit http://give.spectrumhealth.org/united-kelsey or contact the foundation office at 616.225.6427. For information about United and Kelsey Hospitals’ programs and services, please visit www.spectrumhealth.org.

New service provides interactive specialist appointments and education

Spectrum Health United and Kelsey Hospitals have added telehealth services—which uses interactive video-conferencing to connect providers and patients to clinical services and education programs at distant sites. Patients can now avoid travel times and reduce travel expenses and still access the care they need.

Telehealth patients have a live, real-time interaction with a physician who provides specialized care, follow-up appointments and education that may not be offered locally. This technology gives physicians the ability to obtain sufficient examinations of patients by questioning them about their past health history and current symptoms, and by using electronic diagnostic equipment and peripheral cameras.

The telehealth program at United and Kelsey Hospitals began with virtual cardiology services. The program has grown to provide specialist consults in cardiology and oncology between United Hospital, Kelsey Hospital and Spectrum Health medical facilities in Grand Rapids. The program will soon include diabetes education, stroke specialist access, a virtual wound clinic and primary care provider e-visits to local communities.

Feedback from local telehealth patients has been overwhelmingly positive. Gregory Baker of Coral drove 10 miles to the Kelsey Hospital Emergency Department in Lakeview after experiencing chest pain. Upon being evaluated by the emergency department physician, it was clear he needed to be seen by a cardiologist. A cardiologist was not available in Lakeview at the time, so the Kelsey Hospital staff took advantage of the new telehealth technology and consulted with a provider from the Heart and Vascular Center at United Hospital. “The experience was wonderful; it felt like the doctor was in the room with me,” explained Gregory. “It was nice to see a specialist when I really needed him and not have to travel and spend money on gas.” Gregory appreciated that the off-site physician was able to read his tests and explain his health situation. “This is a huge benefit to our rural community.”

“With this new technology, a consultation can be done in the emergency room right when we need it, which benefits both patients and care providers,” states Steven Fahlen, DO, Kelsey Hospital Emergency Department. “This is just the beginning; we will see more services being offered through telehealth to benefit the patients in our community.”

GREENVILLE– On Saturday, February 11, the Spectrum Health United Memorial Foundation held its 10th annual Many Hearts, One Mission Charity Ball at the Fredrick Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. With over 440 people in attendance, the event featured live music, gourmet dining, live and silent auctions, raffle opportunities and more.

Each year, the proceeds of the Charity Ball are allocated to a specific service area or need within Spectrum Health United or Kelsey hospitals. For 2012, proceeds from the Charity Ball are designated to the Spectrum Health United Hospital Heart & Vascular Center, scheduled to open May 2012. Heart disease is a major threat to the health of Americans.  It is the leading cause of death for men and women. Heart and vascular specialists will treat outpatients in the center and be available for inpatient and emergency consultants. The Heart & Vascular Center includes six physician exam rooms, two cardiovascular ultrasound rooms and two nuclear medicine cameras. The Spectrum Health United Hospital Heart & Vascular Center is a perfect example of collaboration between the hospital, specialists, and community members to open doors to greater care, both now and into the future.

Annually, the Spectrum Health United Memorial Foundation honors a community member who exhibits extraordinary commitment to volunteerism and philanthropy. While announced each October at the Spirit of Caring Dinner, the honoree is celebrated and commended for their dedication to the community at the Charity Ball. William T. Ham is the recipient of the 2012 Fred and Lena Meijer Spirit of Caring Award.

“Bill is truly an asset to our hospitals. We are grateful for the time and dedication he has provided to our organization,” said Tina Freese-Decker, President, Spectrum Health United Memorial.

The Charity Ball plays a vital role in United Hospital’s strategic plan for growth.  “Not only does it raise financial support for services and technology, it brings together members of the community around a common purpose: quality health care that’s close to home,” said Freese.

“To everyone who contributed to the success of the United Hospital Heart & Vascular Center, many thanks for your generosity and dedication.  We will continue to work toward bringing the very best in services, technology and specialists to Greenville, Lakeview and the surrounding communities.”