HealthWest names Cyndi Blair interim executive director

The HealthWest Board of Directors, on Friday, Feb. 24, appointed Cyndi Blair to serve as the agency's interim executive director.

Cyndi takes the position after 46 years of experience in healthcare administration and operations, including serving as HealthWest's chief clinical officer, director of medical services, director of integrated health and integrated health clinic, and crisis residential services director.

"Cyndi has a long history of leadership in healthcare excellence," said HealthWest Board Chair Janet Thomas. "We believe she is uniquely qualified to continue HealthWest's work being a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic while ensuring the agency's focus remains on providing quality behavioral healthcare to anyone in Muskegon County."

Cyndi deeply understands healthcare regulations and the ever-changing behavioral healthcare landscape and has been a leader in implementing many processes critical to HealthWest's continued success.

"I'm looking forward to this new chapter of my career and building on the excellent work of the HealthWest team," Cyndi said. "I am committed to working with the HealthWest Board of Directors, our community partners, and the HealthWest staff to ensure we continue to deliver the best possible care while focusing on those we serve."

Outside of her work at HealthWest, Cyndi created and leads No More Sidelines, a non-profit organization run by volunteers committed to helping our community's children and young adults with special needs. No More Sidelines provides children and young adults with special needs, ages eight and older, an opportunity to play sports year-round and to participate in community events and outings.

She will serve as the interim executive director while the HealthWest Board of Directors conducts a national search for the agency's next director. 

Thank you for being part of the HealthWest family!

You mean so much to our agency and those we serve.

While we appreciate you every day, we are looking forward to celebrating Staff Appreciation Day with a small surprise delivered to every campus on Friday, March 3. Keep your eyes out for a morning delivery from one of the members of the staff support committee.

Meet the Co-Response team of Muskegon Police Department & HealthWest: Officer Andy McKee and Michelle Pouch, LLPC.

Together they are supporting the Expansion of the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion program in our community by responding in the City of Muskegon to persons experiencing a behavioral health crisis and, when appropriate, serving individuals through the LEAD program model. 

When the Mental Health Center personnel calls 911 for support on-site due to a behavioral health crisis, it is highly likely this team will arrive on scene. 

Michell is a HealthWest masters level clinician and will support you and the situation similarly to the ICS team in partnership with Officer McKee. Michelle is a direct liaison to the ICS team and other HealthWest services for Muskegon Police and the City of Muskegon and will reach out as needed. 

If you have any questions about the expansion of the LEAD program or the work of this crisis response team please reach out to Heather Wiegand.

We were overwhelmed by the support at the HW Holiday Market and are happy to be back with a Spring edition!

Support fellow HealthWest staff at our Spring Pop-up Shop on Tuesday, April 18, from 10am - 1pm in the MHC Board Rooms. There will be a variety of creations and goods available, so make sure to stop down to see what is new. 

Booth fees are only a $10 donation to the FunD committee, which will be used for staff prizes throughout the year. If you are interested in becoming a vendor, use the link below. Email Michelle Erickson with questions about the event.