Focusing on Equitable Care

At Bronson Health Foundation, one of our guiding principles is to seek to practice the values of diversity, equity and inclusion in our culture and our distributed funds. Below are just a few examples of the programs supported by generous gifts, along with an opportunity for a discussion about anti-racism with Bronson leaders and others in the Battle Creek community.

Through a national organization called Once Upon a Preemie, many team members in Bronson Children's Hospital's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit are undergoing specialized health and racial equity training focused on reducing racial disparities and implicit bias while serving Black families in the NICU. 

Dr. Andrea Scheurer-Monaghan, a neonatologist, recommended bringing the training to Bronson. "Our NICU team is interested in the Once Upon a Preemie Organization because of its inspiring origin – the lived experience of Jenne Johns, a Black mother of a micro-preemie," says Scheurer-Monaghan. "We feel that to make progress with equity in NICU care practices, the voices of those experiencing the inequities must be heard."

Young patients with sickle cell disease now receive a free book each time they interact with a provider at the Bronson Pediatric Hematology and Oncology clinic and when they are hospitalized at Bronson Children’s Hospital. The Sickle Cell Story Club collection includes a variety of books that feature a main character of color and also meet the child’s interest and reading level. Books in multiple languages have been purchased to ensure children receive a book written in their first language.

Dr. Kirsten Bonifacio, psychologist at the clinic, introduced the program at Bronson. "Through this project, we have an opportunity to engage in positive and meaningful ways with our patients. We can support them in building home libraries that include books with characters that look like them," explains Bonifacio. "Our patients are already loving the program, looking forward to their next visit and planning for what book they might choose. That is what it is all about. Making connections and supporting the overall well-being of our patients."

This week, Bronson Healthcare president and CEO Bill Manns and Bronson Battle Creek Hospital COO Joe du Lac will take part in a panel discussion hosted by Southwestern Michigan Urban League. Participants will respond to prompts from Ibram Kendi’s book, How To Be An Antiracist. Community members in attendance are invited to join the discussion at the end of the formal dialogue.

Wednesday, February 22, 6:00 p.m.

Kool Family Center, Battle Creek

Pink Ice Game Supports Bronson Cancer Center Funds

Pictured: Dr. Timothy Cox, oncologist, Bronson Cancer Center-Battle Creek; survivors Mary Faber and Jill Shump

The Kalamazoo Wings recently hosted a sold-out Pink Ice Game, which drew more than 5,000 attendees. The Stick it to Cancer game was a way to pay tribute to breast cancer survivors and raise funds to assist patients undergoing cancer care at Bronson. This year, for the first time, the K-Wings selected Bronson Health Foundation’s Bronson Cancer Center Funds in Battle Creek and Kalamazoo as the beneficiary, and the event raised $18,746. The funds help provide patients with transportation to and from appointments, no-cost nutritional supplements, assistance with paying for medications and more.



Toni Will, General Manager of the K-Wings, expressed pride in the team's contribution to the fight against cancer. “Cancer is a formidable opponent, but when we come together as a team to support cancer care, we become even stronger,” says Will. “The K-Wings are proud to do our part in the fight against cancer and bring hope to those who need it most.” 

Mark Your Calendars!

Our 2023 event schedule is in place! We hope you'll mark your calendars to attend the events of interest to you. We'll share details of each event as plans are finalized.

• Sexual Assault Services Benefit Dinner, Thursday, April 6
• Bronson Cancer Care Spring Fling, Thursday, May 18
• Gene Hughes Sr. Memorial Golf Outing, Monday June 19
• Feldpausch Foundation Golf Outing, Saturday, July 15
• Karl Kucab Memorial Golf Outing, Monday, July 31
• Bronson Children's Hospital Run & Walk, Sunday, September 24
• Carlson Farms - Farm to Table Dinner, Sunday, October 15