Munson Healthcare, through the Munson Healthcare Community Health Committee, recognizes individuals and organizations in our community who contribute significantly toward improving the health and well-being of our community. These are our Community Health Heroes.
Community Health Heroes promote health and wellness, chronic disease prevention and management, and support community health improvement by focusing on the unmet needs and root causes of poor health in our community.
Colleen Cerak, honored by Otsego Memorial Hospital
Colleen Cerak, a physical education teacher at Gaylord Intermediate Schools, founded the Jammin Jumpers and for 30 years has been teaching jump rope techniques and routines to kids before school.
Community Connections — Grand Traverse Hub, Honored by Munson Medical Center
Community Connections — Grand Traverse Hub, is a no cost program offering connections to community resources for adults, children, and families, including access to medical care, transportation, food, utilities, education, classes, and more.
Crawford County Commission on Aging, Honored by Grayling Hospital
The Crawford County Commission on Aging, has led the revitalization of the community garden and offers opportunities for physical activities and educational opportunities for Crawford County seniors and others in the community.
Dannette “Dannee” Ratliff Hoffman, honored by Manistee Hospital
Dannette “Dannee” Ratliff Hoffman uses diet, nutrition, and positivity to prevent and treat illness and disease through her work with the Manistee Community Kitchen and her passion promotion of tasty and healthy food.
Kiersten’s Ride, Honored by Charlevoix Hospital
Kiersten’s Ride is a nonprofit dedicated to bringing help, hope, and healing through suicide prevention programs in northern lower Michigan.
Dan Smith, Honored by Cadillac Hospital
Dan Smith is the executive director of the Cadillac Area YMCA. He has been instrumental in impacting the youth in the community through the After School program, TEEN Impact, Youth Fit, the Y childcare at Baker College, and the Safety Around Water program, now offered to five area school districts.
Josh Stoltz, honored by Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital
Josh Stoltz of Grow Benzie is recognized for his energy, innovation, and dedication to his community, which includes Grow Benzie initiatives such as nutrition and food preserving classes to culinary demonstration and a thriving farmers market; programs including the Hive Minded Youth Program, Days for Girls, Benzie Extreme Makeover; and a variety of other community initiatives.
Nickey Torrey, Honored by Kalkaska Memorial Health Center
Nickey Torrey is a health and fitness coach, certified personal trainer, and ACE certified senior fitness specialist who works closely with local businesses, organizations, and schools to bring health awareness and education to the forefront; offers numerous classes throughout the community; and opened a community outdoor winter clothing closet in 2010.
