News

Health in Bloom at Gerber Memorial Health Services

Fremont, MI . . . July 20, 2006 Ð A place to rest, heal, meditate and enjoy nature is taking root at Gerber Memorial Hospital in Fremont. The gift of a Healing Garden was presented to staff, administration and the Newaygo County community at a dedication ceremony among the gardenÕs plant life this week.

Senator Gerald Van Woerkom, Jon DeWitte of Representative Pete HoekstraÕs office and Kimmen Koto of Muskegon attended the dedication to support healthcare and wellness initiatives at Gerber Memorial Health Services.

ÒThe Healing Garden will be a place for thought and reflection, and has been totally financed by the GMHS Association with funds contributed through years of hard work and commitment to quality health care in Newaygo County by the Associates,Ó said Tammy Van Dyke, President of the Gerber Memorial Health Services Association (GMHEA). Over $25,000 of GMHEA dues money made the Healing Garden possible.

In addition to a variety of plants, flowers, shrubs and trees, the garden has a bubbling fountain, benches, lights, and a specially crafted sun depiction in stone. A memorial feature includes several bricks throughout the garden walkway etched with special names.

ÒThe Healing Garden is also a memorial to those Associates who have passed away, and will be a reminder to those present of the building blocks that made GMHS one of the top one-hundred hospitals in the nation,Ó remarked VanDyke.

ÒHealing is an art that takes many forms and often requires different considerations for each individual,Ó said Sue Nieboer, Vice President of Clinical Operation. ÒThis is another part of our mind, body, spirit connection, and weÕre thrilled that our Association would take this Healing Garden dream on in such an enthusiastic manner and full support.Ó