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Career Tech Center students make rotations at one of 12 stations

MUSKEGON, Mich. (February 13, 2024) – Trinity Health Muskegon and the Muskegon Area Career Tech Center (CTC) hosted a joint event for 135 CTC students on Tuesday, February 13, at 9:00 a.m. As part of the Growing Our Own initiative, students visited the Muskegon Hospital (1500 E Sherman Blvd) to learn more about careers in medicine and health-related fields.

Growing Our Own is a program aimed at reaching Muskegon students between third and twelfth grades to see a career in health care as an achievable goal, along with the importance of strong study habits. As 18% of nurses and other health care professionals pivoted careers due to the pandemic, it is imperative to give young minds the resources and information to feel passionate about expanding their education and pursuing in-demand careers.

“This concept began in 2019 when I became Vice Chief of Staff at our hospital,” said Jerry Evans, MD, chief of staff at Trinity Health Muskegon. “I looked around and saw our professional staff was not representative of our community. As an Emergency physician, I interact with many kids from our inner cities, rural communities, and minority populations. It’s clear that these kids are smart and could work in our hospital or any area they chose, but they do not have the training or knowledge to attain those goals.”

Last month, educators from Muskegon Area Schools joined Trinity Health Muskegon colleagues to experience the activity before students participated in the February 13 event. The activity, “A Day in the Life of an Injured Student,” followed the medical journey of a student injured while playing football. From the field scene with paramedics to the operating room with surgery techs, students learned about each medical professional the injured athlete encountered.

In collaboration with the Career Tech Center, students discovered nearly 50 medical and health careers. Trinity Health Muskegon colleagues shared descriptions of their professions, necessary education, career insights, and other helpful tips during the event. Health care college representatives and Trinity Health Muskegon Talent Acquisition also attended as student resources. “Partnering with Trinity Health Muskegon is one of the best things we can do for our health students’ future,” said Sasamon Parker, CTC’s placement specialist.

“I want to see our medical staff reflect our community much more than it currently does,” said Dr. Evans. “Throughout the next year, we’re excited to reach more students and encourage them to invest in themselves, their futures, and their community. It starts with us and educators to open young minds and make the opportunities available to them.”

The Growing Our Own initiative will continue outreach to Muskegon County students through additional education, participation in career fairs, and more. This program is made possible by partnering with CTC, Muskegon Area Intermediate School District (MAISD), Boys and Girls Club of the Muskegon Lakeshore, and Michigan Works.

About the Career Tech Center

The Career Tech Center (CTC) in Muskegon opened in January 2005 with the goal of helping Muskegon Area teens to explore and accelerate their future career. To learn more about Muskegon's leader in hands-on learning, and its 16 career-prep programs, visit www.muskegonctc.org.

About Trinity Health Michigan

Trinity Health Michigan is a leading health care provider and one of the state’s largest employers. With more than 24,000 full-time employees serving 29 counties, Trinity Health Michigan operates nine hospitals located in Ann Arbor, Chelsea, Grand Haven, Grand Rapids, Howell, Livonia, Muskegon, Pontiac, and Shelby, and two medical groups. The health system has 2,314 beds and 5,446 physicians and advanced practice providers. With operating revenues of $4.16 billion, Trinity Health Michigan returns $184 million back to their local communities each year. Together with numerous ambulatory care locations, home health and hospice agencies and 23 senior living communities owned and/or operated by Trinity Health, Trinity Health Michigan provides the full continuum of care for Michigan residents. Trinity Health Michigan is a member of Trinity Health, one of the largest Catholic health care systems in the country serving more than 30 million people across 22 states. www.trinityhealthmichigan.org