The event will include a 5k fun run, two-mile walk, one-mile dog walk and kids’ run and aims to promote exercise health in the community. All participants will receive a commemorative medal and T-shirt. In addition, there will be an Easter egg hunt and Easter Bunny appearance.

Irwin was inspired to organize the festivities because of her love for running. She has competed in similar 5k events and triathlons, but is excited to participate this time around with WGVU and the local community.

“It’s an opportunity not only to strengthen the heart, but sharpen the mind,” Irwin said. “I enjoy taking one step at a time to achieve a goal, whether it’s training for a 5k, a triathlon or a marathon.”

Iriwn feels the race has the benefit of bringing like-minded people together. Since it will be the inaugural fun run, she is hoping to set the tone going forward and make the event a staple in the West Michigan community. 

“One always looks to the ‘inaugural’ for setting the bar, but here’s hoping this event will encourage an annual healthy gathering,” Irwin said. “In my world, (I hope) do this every year to both fund and friend-raise in the spirit of fitness.”

Irwin said the idea started as a unique fundraising opportunity for WGVU and morphed into a community event that focuses on health and wellness.

Laura Caprara, who owns the digital marketing firm Stellafly, is acting as the race’s director. Caprara seeks to bring awareness to a cause she truly believes in: the role of exercise in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

“As a long-time advocate for fitness and community engagement, it was a natural fit to help organize an event that brings people together while encouraging physical activity,” Caprara said. “My background in community events and network of local contacts made it possible to gather the right team to make this run a success.”

Caprara said she originally became involved in the fun run because of her connection to Irwin, as they both knew each other from the local running scene. With the inaugural event comes the pressure of hosting an enjoyable gathering—Caprara is ready for the challenge.

“Beyond the numbers, we want to create an inclusive experience by adding adaptive race options and expanding our family-friendly activities,” Caprara said. “We’ve set a goal to make this the most community-focused fun run yet.”

As far as Caprara is concerned, there are many benefits to holding a fun run. An emphasis on community is something that Caprara and Irwin both highlighted.

“Events like the run create essential community bonds while promoting health and wellness,” Caprara said. “They (runs) bring together people of all ages and backgrounds in a positive environment.”

To Caprara, attendees at fun runs are able to recognize how their participation directly benefits both their personal health and the community.

“It’s a wonderful way for families to be active together and for individuals to challenge themselves in a supportive setting,” Caprara said. “We’ve made sure there’s something enjoyable for everyone, whether you’re running or cheering.”

The event commemorated over 50 years of global feminist theory and progress. Speakers facilitated a variety of seminars discussing gender politics of the United Nations, intersectional feminism, reproductive rights, economic disparities and international women’s suffrage. 

Thursday’s first keynote speaker was Jallicia Jolly, a writer, poet, reproductive justice organizer and professor of American studies and Black studies at Amherst College. Jolly gave a presentation titled “Black Feminist Futures: Care, Community and Transnational Reproductive Justice.” Later that afternoon, Jocelyn Olcott, a professor at Duke University, facilitated a talk on the 1975 International Women’s Year Conference in Mexico City hosted by the United Nations. Olcott discussed the conference’s integral role in feminist advocacy worldwide.

On Friday, Carmen Diana Deere continued the conversation regarding the International Women’s Year Conference. She is a professor of Latin American Studies and Food & Resource Economics at the University of Florida, and is also a distinguished professor in Quito, Ecuador. Deere’s research has focused on gender in Latin American agriculture, women’s property rights and wealth inequality.

“You can’t look at women’s issues without considering class and dependency,” Deere said. “Feminism didn’t enter my consciousness at all until the 1970s. I never had a female professor, and was in a sorority where the norm was (to) get engaged by senior year. I was an odd duck to get my (master’s degree) and go to Latin America.”

Directly following Deere’s presentation, Heather Switzer spoke on “Girls in Development: Discovering Girls, Producing Girl Effects.” The seminar delved into ‘the girl child’ phenomenon and the vulnerabilities of violence, malnourishment and infanticide against young girls on a global scale.

“(Asking) Africa as a whole, and girls in particular, to create their own salvation under ongoing conditions of externally imposed austerity (is) like asking a caged mouse to scramble to freedom,” Switzer said. “No matter how active (a person is), (they are) still confined in a cage.”

Also on Friday morning, Durba Mitra discussed feminism in the Global South and the paradox surrounding the United Nations’ Year and Decade for Women. Mitra is an associate professor of women, gender and sexuality studies at Harvard University, and brought attention to the integral nuances of the global feminist conversation.

During Friday’s afternoon sessions, Anna Gollub, the policy analyst of economic institutions within the Economic Empowerment section of UN Women, spoke on “Becoming UN Women.” To conclude the conference, a seminar titled “Feminism Remains Foreign: Ideals vs Practice for Gender Justice” was given by Kavita Ramdas, a senior strategic advisor at International Planned Parenthood. Ramdas is globally recognized for her advocacy in global gender equity, and from 2023-2024, was the activist in residence at the Global Fund for Women. The talk reflected on the various lessons Ramdas learned during her residence and why feminism, as an ideology and aspirational set of ideals and values, remains unintegrated in policies both at home and abroad.

The symposium wrapped up on a hopeful note, and reiterated how the women’s liberation movement has developed throughout history and around the globe.

The event, which was titled “Exposing the Trans-Agenda: A Talk With a Detransitioner,” was held at the Russel H. Kirkhof Center. The speaking event’s title and guest garnered outrage from many University students, especially those who identify as transgender. Several counter-demonstrations were held on campus, and attended by students and community members in order to show support for the transgender community.

The University’s TPUSA chapter claimed on Instagram that the event was not an attack on the transgender community, and that their actions were protected under the First Amendment. GVPD officers were present at the talk, as TPUSA requested security. Photographers, including Lanthorn staff, were barred from entering the event.

The talk outlined the views of both Cole and TPUSA, which are that transgender people pose a threat to femininity, the government and children. During the talk’s Q&A section, Cole expressed opposition to gender-affirming care for all transgender individuals, including adults, and described being transgender as a “choice.” Several students who were in attendance felt Cole’s evidence was primarily based on personal anecdotes, and not factual information. 

Cole has advocated for the passing of several laws that restrict youth gender-affirming care. Generally, for a child to receive gender-affirming services, they must have parental consent and undergo several psychological assessments to be diagnosed with gender dysphoria. Although regulations differ from state to state, most children have to be at least 15 years old to start hormone therapy, and at least 18 years old to undergo gender-affirming surgery. At the age of 13, Cole began her female-to-male transition but later regretted her decision after an LSD trip, during which she claims a female voice told her she was not a boy. Following that experience, Cole converted to Christianity and has since used her faith to oppose the transgender community, and to advocate against access to medical care.

“I think Cole’s story should be heard, but I don’t think that stories like that should be twisted and contorted to paint a bleak picture of what gender-affirming care is,” said GVSU student Ren Carlson. “In my humble opinion, the local chapter of Turning Point USA on campus is not treating me and the trans community with the dignity and respect that everyone deserves.”

Several students reported the TPUSA event to the Dean of Students Office through the University’s Campus Climate Concerns system, believing the event was offensive and harmful to the transgender community. In an Instagram statement, the Progressive Student Union at GVSU urged community members to submit reports in order to protest the speaking event. However, according to a University statement published by WZZM 13, free speech is protected at GVSU so long as it’s “lawful and non-disruptive.”

“As a public university, GVSU upholds the First Amendment rights to free speech and assembly without viewpoint-based restrictions,” said the statement. “GVSU will not restrict anyone’s ability to use their voice in a lawful and non-disruptive manner that is in compliance with the Grounds and Facility Use Policy and all other applicable university policies.”

Several other campus political organizations began posting on social media in opposition. The GVSU College Democrats released a statement, acknowledging that an individual’s choice to detransition is valid, but that personal choices should not prevent others from accessing medical care. According to the National Institute for Health, roughly 1-8% of individuals choose to detransition, either temporarily or permanently. The main reasons for detransitioning include parental or societal pressure, as well as discrimination or oppression.

Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) at GVSU gave an impromptu presentation titled “Exposing the Anti-Trans Agenda” during the same time as TPUSA’s event. SDS’s event centered on transition access and resources, and featured conversations with transgender students who discussed their experiences. 

“To go to their (TPUSA’s) events and debate with speakers like Chloe Cole, who is paid hundreds of thousands of dollars by far-right groups to advocate against trans healthcare, is to agree that their arguments are based on logic, which we know they aren’t,” said SDS Queer Activism Committee Chair and Financial Officer River Koehler.

A vigil in support of trans students was also held at the Cook Carillon Clock Tower that evening. The University’s Milton E. Ford LGBT Resource Center helped organize the event, and reserved the space for students to gather. GVPD officers were also lined up outside near the vigil.

According to the Williams Institute, transgender individuals are over four times more likely to be victims of violent crime compared to cisgender individuals. The vigil was held to honor those who have lost their lives to transphobic-related violence, such as Sam Nordquist, a 24-year-old transgender man who was tortured and killed in February.

“People are obligated, especially cisgender people, to stand up for trans people,” said GVSU student Jayce Carr. “I do it not only for my trans girlfriend and trans brother, but for the countless other trans people that have been subject to discrimination and prejudice.”

GVSU’s current policy grants more protections to those accused of sexual misconduct, minimizes LGBTQ+ protections and is in line with a federal ruling that deemed the requirement of identity-affirming behavior to be a violation of free speech.

During President Donald Trump’s first administration, former Secretary of Education and West Michigan native Betsy Devos made revisions to Title IX federal law that were seen as controversial. Devos expanded protections for students accused of sexual misconduct in efforts of “ensuring a fair grievance process.” The revisions minimized definitions of sexual misconduct and required cross-examination of the accuser for statements in a case to be considered. 

The University’s policies have continually aligned with each presidential administrations’ Title IX changes. Under former President Joe Biden, the University’s 2022 policy included “unwelcome conduct based on sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or pregnancy” within definitions of misconduct. Those specific definitions remain largely intact in the current policy but are now subject to change.

In December 2024, Biden’s Title IX policy expansion was blocked in 26 states, and was ultimately thrown out by a federal judge. Biden’s Final Rule was ultimately thrown out with the verdict that discrimination of sexual orientation didn’t fall under the jurisdiction of Title IX. Biden’s adjustments requiring correct pronoun usage by teachers in accordance with student orientation and preference was ruled to be a violation of the Constitution’s First Amendment. 

Alongside other universities across the county, GVSU has reverted back to these guidelines, vastly altering the procedure for how cases of sexual harassment, discrimination and misconduct are handled.

“These (the most recent updates) were required policy changes for compliance with federal regulations,” said GVSU Associate Vice President, Deputy Chief Inclusion & Equity officer and Title IX Coordinator Kathleen VanderVeen. “Cross-examination provides decision makers the opportunity to develop a live credibility analysis rather than a credibility analysis based solely on written statements.”

VanderVeen also claimed GVSU’s adjustments were made to ensure “equitable credibility analysis of evidence statements.”

The current SLT 9.1 policy, which is similar to the 2020 version, defines sexual harassment as “an employee of GVSU conditioning the provision of aid, benefit, or service of GVSU on an individual’s participation in unwelcome sexual conduct.” The 2022 and 2024 versions of SLT 9.1 both significantly expanded the definition, and distinguished sexual misconduct from sexual harassment. Biden’s attempted Title IX reform sought to expand and restore protections for pregnant and transgender individuals, which had previously been minimized.

Specific aspects of the University’s policy change in accordance with federal regulations significantly affects protections for transgender students under Title IX. The current version of SLT 9.1 removed six paragraphs from section 17, “Inclusion related to Gender Identity/Expression.” The deleted paragraphs outlined gender inclusivity and identity affirmation, explicitly defining misgendering and deadnaming in campus context.

The 2024 version of the policy stated, “GVSU supports the full acceptance of those who are gender expansive,” while the current version shorted the six paragraphs to simply state, “Intentional misgendering, deadnaming, or mispronouning may be considered a violation of this policy.”

This policy change comes shortly after Trump signed executive orders targeting “gender ideology.” Trump has signed an executive order that federally acknowledges only two genders, and has attempted to ban transgender athletes from collegiate sports.

“I just hope that as we maneuver with what has to be changed, we figure out something quickly to make sure there’s a safeguard there,” said DL McKinney, the University’s LGBT Resource Center director. “Right now, taking out that language that was a safeguard, it’s (safeguards) changed.”

Faculty and staff have already previously voiced concerns regarding deadnaming and misgendering at the University. In a survey conducted by the GVSU LGBT Faculty and Staff Association (LGBT FSA), 80% of LGBT FSA members responded saying they desired a more inclusive climate at the University. McKinney said the prevalence of the issue “should be something we don’t ignore.”

McKinney said the LGBT Resource Center is working with GVSU administrators to maintain protections under this new policy.

“We (the LGBT Resource Center) have been both scrambling and trying to be strategic about how we use the system that’s in front of us to make sure that everyone is protected– students, staff and faculty,” McKinney said.

McKinney said that support provided by the LGBT Resource Center will not change, regardless of changes in administration or policy. 

“There’s nothing that we as an office are changing when we talk about our values,” McKinney said. “We aren’t scared. We want to make sure that people know this (the center) is a space for a reason.”

The International Women’s Day event was initiated by Lauren Coman, a Grand Rapids community member and mother that realized there wasn’t an event planned for the day. She decided to organize one herself, and collaborated with other mothers and city residents. Originally, she had coordinated the event with Fountain Street Church, but ended up moving the protest due to capacity concerns.

Those in attendance were addressed by multiple speakers, including members of the Grand Rapids Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, Moms Demand Action and Women’s Health Collective. Grand Rapids State Rep. Kristian Grant, a member of Michigan’s Democratic Caucus, advocated in her speech for community action and voting in the interest of women’s rights.

Following the rousing speeches at Rosa Parks Circle, protesters took to the Grand Rapids’ sidewalks for a march. Those in attendance chanted, “Stand up, fight back” and “We are not going back” as they marched through the city. Protesters carried signs that read, “We will not back down” and “Women resist.” 

The protest was in response to the reelection of President Donald Trump, many of whose actions have caused concern regarding women’s rights, reproductive freedoms, gender expression and security of voting rights. International Women’s Day originated in the early 1900s out of the women’s labor and suffrage movements. It has been celebrated on March 8 every year since 1917, when women’s protests en masse initiated the Russian Revolution. The holiday was recognized by the United Nations in 1977.

“We have people (attending the event that come from) different thoughts, feelings and emotions,” Coman said. “At the end of the day, I think we’re all just trying to gather together and say, ‘Hey, one common thing is we all support women. We would all not be here without women.’”

Coman emphasized the importance of collaborating at a grassroots level to initiate change. Her initiative to organize was backed by strong hopes to stir communal strength and support. 

“There’s so much going on that not every organization can handle all of it,” Coman said. “The more people that can jump in and the more people that can use their voice and help raise awareness, we’re seeing that start to change things.”

Grant also elaborated on this in her speech, emphasizing the necessity of community-based actions.

“We won’t have a next time to stand up if we don’t stand up today,” Grant said. “We have to be the women and the people who support the women who are willing to stand up.”

Numerous speakers and protesters also addressed the need for international solidarity with women in Palestine, as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to be strenuously waged.

“If you truly believe in liberation, then you believe in liberation for Palestinian women and children and families,” said Emerson Wolfe, one of the march’s organizers. “I recommend everybody get involved with a grassroots organization so they can put their feelings into action.” 

Members of Grand Valley State University’s Progressive Student Union (PSU) also attended the event. Owen Frassetto, a member of PSU, emphasized the protest’s importance.

“Clearly, (Trump’s attacks) on women, LGBTQ+ rights, DEI and all these things have led to a massive resistance in every city, including our city (Grand Rapids),” Frassetto said. “It’s very important to come represent.”

The revelry of the International Women’s Day march spotlights how recent political actions have sparked feats of protest that are sweeping the country.

“We have to stand up as women, as mothers (and) as wives,” said one protester during the march. “We just can’t let this go on.”

Gallery • 25 Photos

GVL / Lee Marentette

According to data by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the career’s workforce is composed of 67% white registered nurses. Further, nine percent is Asian, nine percent is Hispanic and four percent is Pacific Islander or identifies as multiple races. Less than one percent of the field identifies as American Indian or Alaskan Native. In addition, Men account for only 12% of all RNs.

Linda Lewandowski, the dean of KCON, recognizes the aforementioned statistics and is committed to making the nursing field more equitable and enticing to everyone.

“Although we are not where we want to be, we are getting better,” Lewandowski said.

Lewandowski pointed out that in 2020, the percentage of men in nursing nationwide was only 9.4%. At KCON, the percentage of male nursing students has increased to 16%.

Another other notable trend has been the fact that nurses from minority backgrounds are to be more likely to pursue higher degrees in the nursing field. Data shows that while 69.5% of white nurses complete nursing degrees beyond their associate degree, the number is significantly higher for minority nurses, including Hispanic (73.9%), Black (75.6%), Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander (84.0%) and Asian (87.6%) nurses.

“Students can obtain RN licensure after achieving an associate degree from a community college,” Lewandowski said. “The trend is for nurses to then go on to obtain a bachelor’s degree. Some work settings are (also) now requiring that ADN-prepared nurses obtain their BSN degree within a certain time period after hire.”

To Lewandowski, the traditional ascent into nursing is still a great one, but she is excited to see the tenacity and ambition of the marginalized nurses who are taking their nursing careers to the next level. Lewandowski feels this development elevates such nurses to leadership positions with higher pay than their white counterparts.

“RNs from underrepresented groups clearly recognize the need to pursue higher levels of nursing education beyond the entry level and, perhaps contrary to stereotypes and expectations, are pursuing further education and higher rates,” Lewandowski said.

Despite the demographic changes being witnessed in the nursing profession by Lewandowski and others, one characteristic of the field has remained constant: trust.

“Having a strong moral compass and a high sense of integrity are very important (for nurses),” Lewandowski said. “This is exemplified in the fact that for the 22nd year in a row, nurses were voted the most trusted profession in the U.S.”

Administrators and educators in nursing are well aware of the importance of these statistics and the need to help diversify the industry by making education available and accessible to any person who wishes to pursue it. Lewandowski is one such individual who would love to see an increase in diversity in the field.

“Implementing targeted outreach programs, providing scholarships and promoting mentorship opportunities for underrepresented groups (is important),” Lewandowski said. “Collaborative efforts with community organizations, K-12 schools and colleges are helping to raise awareness about nursing as a rewarding career for people from all backgrounds.”

For some schools, changing the admissions process to include a more complete profile of a candidate’s background and abilities has been beneficial to increasing educational diversity.

“One change in academic settings is (the) move to holistic admissions, which give a more level playing field to applicants of all backgrounds,” Lewandowski said. “KCON has been doing holistic admissions for a number of years.”

If a certain field desires a more diverse range of candidates, support structures are often put in place to aid students. Such structures include funding and scholarships for those who might need an extra economic boost to pursue their dreams. At GVSU, the Nursing Workforce Diversity (NWD) program is offered through KCON, and aims to increase nursing education opportunities for marginalized students. The program is funded by the HRSA Nursing Workforce Diversity Grant. According to Lewandowski, the University was able to provide support and scholarships to 29 undergraduate students and 20 graduate students in the last three years.

“Providing academic and financial support is very important,” Lewandowski said. “We are now applying for a competing continuation grant for this project to reach more students of diverse backgrounds, as well as a couple of other proposals in review advancing similar goals.”

These programs and outreach initiatives are bolstered by specific DEI positions that promote and ensure that underrepresented groups have the same access to opportunities as their white counterparts.

“We are working hard to foster more inclusive environments in nursing schools and in healthcare settings to ensure diverse perspectives are welcomed and supported,” Lewandowski said.

She specifically mentioned that over the summer, KCON will introduce the position of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) coordinator. The role will report directly to the Lewandowski, and will aim to make the KCON environment more positive, nurturing, supportive and welcoming for all. According to Lewandowski, other strategies at the University include promoting flexible workplace schedules, offering cultural competency training, mentoring programs and creating career pathways that encourage individuals from various racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds to pursue nursing as a lifelong profession.

While the road to complete equity in nursing may be a long one, Lewandowski is proud of the work nurses have done across the country to make the profession look more like the real world.

“I am proud of how nursing has really stepped up to address racial inequities and structural racism,” Lewandowski said. “(The) nursing (profession) has recognized that we have to do a better job of enhancing diversity in the workforce. We are making progress, but we are not where we need to be, and are thus continuing our efforts.”

In compliance with the Trump administration’s latest orders, 37 Michigan USFS employees who protected the Huron-Manistee and Ottawa National Forests were affected by layoffs. Additionally, 12 to 15 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service employees, who protect native fish from invasive sea lamprey, were laid off. The Trump administration slashed USFS’s annual budget nationally, which means USFS will not only be understaffed, but also underfunded. 

Michigan is home to five national forests and the largest reserve of freshwater in the world, which makes the state pivotal to many ecosystems. USFS employees manage forests, protect wildlife and oversee national resources. The agency also conducts research to determine best practices to best maintain and sustain parks and wildlife, through advising on infrastructure and protecting accessibility to park systems. 

“Forest Service workers are so important because they manage national forests, which belong to all Americans,” said Jennifer Moore, an associate professor of biology at Grand Valley State University.  “(Forest Service workers) are essential stewards of our public lands, (and) play a crucial role in preventing environmental degradation.” 

According to Central Michigan University, an estimated 3,400 USFS employees were laid off in the first few weeks of February. In other words, 10% of the USFS workforce has been cut in less than a month. Several USFS employees were notified of their termination over the phone on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14. leading some to dub the date as a “Valentine’s Day Massacre.” Although the workers were told they had been laid off due to performance issues, many had positive reviews and solid work records. 

“The U.S. Forest Service, in particular, employs some of the hardest working people in the Nation,” Moore said. “These people are doing incredibly important work managing wildlife and our public forests, while conserving wildlife and other natural and cultural resources. Most of this work is done as a labor of love, and not for the financial gain.”

While wildlife firefighters have generally been spared by layoffs, many of the workers that were let go were also certified in fighting fires and often participated in control burns. The mass layoffs have incited concerns regarding USFS’s ability to effectively fight off invasive species and fires nationwide. Environmental disasters such as oil spills, air quality issues and water contamination pose additional concerns.

“Natural ecosystems provide (resources) that people don’t typically think about, like clean air, clean water, medicine, hardwood floors, furniture, paper towels, Amazon packaging and many others,” said Alexander Locher, a professor of natural resource management and wildlife biology at GVSU. “Ultimately, we all are accountable for conserving natural ecosystems and all the beings within them because they literally are our backbone for survival.” 

The layoffs have prompted several unions to file a lawsuit against the Trump administration for wrongful termination, and have inspired many to protest across the country. The union that represents USFS workers, the National Federation of Federal Employees’ Forest Service Council (FSC), has filed a lawsuit, alongside multiple other unions. The lawsuit claims the Trump administration’s orders are unconstitutional for the following reasons:

• Using deferred resignation to pressure employees into voluntary resignation 
• Firing probationary employees
• Use of large-scale reductions in force (RIFs)
• Undermining Congress’s authority 

The Trump administration and DOGE have claimed the layoffs were necessary to cut back on government spending; however, only an estimated 5-6% of total government spending contributes to the salaries of federal workers. It is unclear how the layoffs have affected government spending, as DOGE continuously posts discrepant and inaccurate data on the issue. 

“The courts must intervene and hold this administration accountable for violating federal laws before it is too late,” said Randy Erwin, the president of the National Federation of Federal Employees. “Federal workers are your friends and neighbors who have dedicated their careers to serving our country. We cannot let the President disrupt their lives and dismantle critical services relied upon by the American people.”

The West Michigan Health Economic Forecast was held at the DeVos Center for Interprofessional Health on GVSU’s Pew Campus. The event was hosted by the University’s Kirkhof College of Nursing and the Seidman College of Business, and was sponsored by major healthcare companies, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Care Network and Priority Health.

Kirby and Montanera identified a unique correlation between the rising number of healthcare workers and the number of patient admissions in Grand Rapids compared to state and national averages. Their work also revealed that students seeking healthcare-related degrees have increased despite a nationwide drop in higher education enrollment. Although the causes of these anomalies are not yet known, the researchers were able to collect valuable data on certain trends occurring in West Michigan and consider optimistic outcomes.

Specifically, Montanera and Kirby’s research found stark discrepancies between the rate of patient admissions in contrast to the rate of hospital and healthcare personnel. In 2022, Grand Rapids had a record low of 80.65 patient admissions per 1,000 resident doctors. In similar-sized cities, the admission rate was 105.82 patients per 1,000 residents. Another discrepancy noted by the researchers was that outpatient hospital visits in Grand Rapids and Muskegon decreased by 13%, while national rates remained static.

The researchers also looked into college enrollment rates. Despite a national decrease in college enrollment, Montanera and Kirby’s research showed a 2% increase in college students seeking healthcare-related degrees in West Michigan. In 2023, the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center found that Michigan colleges and universities had enrollment drops that were four times steeper than the national average.

“When we turn to the future, we find that more students are enrolling in health-related degrees, even though university enrollment is declining,” Kirby said. “That’s (rise in health-related degree enrollment) promising for the future of healthcare.”

Further findings from Montanera and Kirby’s report showed certain ailments are rising in West Michigan, such as high cholesterol, coronary heart disease, stroke, lifetime asthma, cancer and depression. Additionally, Michiganders 85 and older are the fastest-growing age group in the state, which has contributed to a higher demand for healthcare services.

Despite an increased strain on hospitals, Kirby said their research showed healthcare employment, job openings and inflation-adjusted earnings are on the rise in the region. This indicates there is more motivation to seek occupations in healthcare, as evidenced by the increasing number of students pursuing healthcare degrees.

Kirby said the reason he chose to research health in West Michigan is because his findings have the capability to directly impact the people around him and the place where he lives. Kirby said that further research is needed to determine the root causes of these anomalies.

“There is always a need for more research,” Kirby said. “To stay ahead of the curve, we must continue monitoring community health and anticipate what’s coming next.”

According to the article, RICE has the potential to delay the healing process. Icing an injured area and resting reduces the amount of blood flow, and can slow down recovery. Todd Buckingham, a movement science professor at Grand Valley State University, said blood flow is essential to healing.

“One of the ways the body heals injuries is through increased blood flow to (an) injured area,” said Buckingham. “Increasing blood flow to the area brings oxygen and nutrients that can help the body heal. There are also cells that can help fight infection and repair (a) wound, like white blood cells. By icing the affected area, you are decreasing blood flow, which inhibits the amount of repair and healing that can occur.”

RICE can still be used, but it should not be a long-term plan for recovery. 

“RICE can still be helpful in certain situations, such as managing pain and swelling immediately after an injury occurs,” Buckingham said. “However, its use should be limited to immediately post-injury.”

Two of the new methods, MEAT and PEACE, focus on movement and improving patients’ recovery time. MEAT stands for movement, exercise, analgesics (pain medication) and treatment. PEACE means protection, elevation, avoiding anti-inflammatories, compression and education.

MEAT consists of light, pain-free motion under the supervision of a coach, doctor or athletic trainer.

“By gently moving the affected area, you can increase blood flow, which will increase the amount of healing and repair that can occur,” Buckingham said.  “Obviously, there is such a thing as too much movement, which is why it’s important to check with your doctor before doing anything too strenuous.”

PEACE is an approach that puts more emphasis on education. The more informed a patient is about their injury, the better equipped they will be to manage recovery. PEACE prevents patients from doing too much too soon, while still doing functional movement to heal their injury.

Both of these practices can then be followed by LOVE– load, optimism, vascularization and exercise. This protocol is typically used four to five days after injury, and still focuses on movement and increasing blood flow to improve recovery. However, unlike MEAT and PEACE, having the right mindset is a pillar for this approach. 

Maintaining positivity during healing is something Leeyah Samuels believes is necessary. Samuels is a student-athlete on GVSU’s track and field team. Having had minor injuries in the past, she’s familiar with RICE, but believes that if she knew of other methods, her recoveries would’ve been different. Samuels stated the road to recovery is ultimately easier with a good attitude. 

“I strongly believe mindset is a big part of recovery,” Samuels said. “You have to stay positive and be patient while your body heals itself. It is very easy for us to doubt ourselves and our ability to perform after we get back from an injury. Your mind will make you believe that you are unable when you are more than capable.”

House Bill 5436 allows Michigan pharmacists to write prescriptions for hormonal contraceptives like birth control pills, emergency contraceptive pills, patches and vaginal rings. House Bill 5435 requires insurance companies to cover the cost of pharmacist-prescribed hormonal contraception in the State. Michigan’s state licensing agency and pharmacy board have until the fall 2026 to create the rules of each law’s rollout, according to the Detroit Free Press. 

“Today, I’m signing commonsense bills to further protect everyone’s fundamental freedom to make their own decisions about their own body,” Whitmer said at the legislations’ signing. “These bills will save women time and money so they can access the birth control they need and cut unnecessary red tape that stands between people and their health care.”

According to Michigan.gov, there is a shortage of obstetricians and gynecologists (OB-GYN) in the state. In one-third of Michigan’s 83 counties, there are no OB-GYNs at all. This healthcare shortage impacts thousands of State residents. House Bill 5435 recognizes the vital role of pharmacists in reproductive healthcare.

Heather Alberda is the health promotion specialist at GVSU’s Center for Health and Well-being. She said birth control is essential, and claimed the new legislation will make it more accessible for student communities that need access.

“Access to birth control is essential for everyone, especially our GVSU students,” Alberda said. “It can prevent unplanned pregnancies, promote health and well-being, provide empowerment and autonomy, reduce financial stress, support emotional and mental health and promote healthy relationships.”

To GVSU student Abrianna Imbrogno, birth control is necessary to keep her body healthy and regulated. Imbrogno said she needs birth control to help regulate her menstrual cycles so she doesn’t develop uterine cancer or ovarian cysts. Although she hasn’t experienced much difficulty accessing birth control, Imbrogno worries if she will have enough medication due to her insurance.

“Insurance companies only cover some brands of birth control, and only some brands send out multiple months (worth of medicine),” Imbrogno said. “Most of the time I never know if I will have enough for a couple months unless I ask my insurance company.” 

Imbrogno said she hopes both House bills will help her and others. 

“I think the (bills) signed in Michigan (are) a great step moving forward,” Imbrogno said. 

Alberda said limitations to birth control access can prevent some students from understanding their health and taking care of themselves.

“We know there are barriers (such as) cost, location, transportation, general availability (and) stigma around sexual health to access,” Alberda said. “The Center for Health and Well-being is committed to ensuring all students have access and knowledge of sexual health services both on and off campus.” 

Alberda said the center offers a variety of resources to students. These resources include emergency conception, Opill (a birth control pill available over the counter without a prescription) and STI/HIV testing in collaboration with the Ottawa County Department of Public Health. Other support programs at the center include presentations focused on sexual health. The Center for Health and Well-being will also host Sex Ed Week on campus from Feb. 10-14.