College of Health Professions honors outstanding community partners

Isabella County Commission on Aging and Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center were recently announced as the recipients of the Outstanding Community Partner Award for 2024 by The Herbert H. & Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions. This award is presented to individuals and organizations external to CMU in appreciation of their sustained and reciprocal partnership with the college. This award recognizes and honors the vital role and commitment of our community partners in supporting the college's pursuit of excellence in scholarship, education and community service.  

Executive Director Jennifer Crawford and Activity Program Manager Marcy Huntoon accepted the award from the Isabella County Commission on Aging. The Isabella County Commission on Aging is a department within the Isabella County Governmental Unit that serves the needs of local older adults and their families. Its mission is to promote the health, independence and fulfillment of older adults through the coordination and provision of diverse services and opportunities.

The Isabella COA has collaborated with CHP faculty, staff and students through the Health Professions Residential College’s Bottles to Branches landscaping project, the Physical Therapy Program’s Fit Feet Walking Club, and the Audiology Program’s No Cost Hearing Aid Cleanings clinics. These partnerships have created meaningful opportunities for CHP students to develop professional skills while engaging in community service. 

Graduate Medical Education Coordinators Tara Martin and Danny Champagne accepted the award for The Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center. It is part of the Veterans Health Administration, America’s largest integrated healthcare system serving 9 million enrolled veterans each year. The Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center, located in Saginaw, Michigan, was established in September 1950 and is dedicated in honor of Lt. Aleda E. Lutz, a distinguished veteran of the U.S. Army Nurse Corps.

The Aleda E. Lutz VAMC has partnered with CHP for over 25 years, providing internship and clinical placements for students in various healthcare and allied fields, including audiology, clinical exercise science, health administration and physical therapy. These experiences add depth and create value for students as they progress through their professional training programs and prepare for careers in healthcare.

The college has a committee that continues to recognize, support and grow external partnerships that align with the college's pursuit of excellence in scholarship, education and service. CHP partners with over 800 clinical, educational, social service, government, business and other agencies in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, the United States and around the world.