Crittenton Hospital Unites Community, Shares Rich History

Crittenton Hospital Medical Center asked a simple question, “Tell us your story,” and the community responded.  Some of the stories shared told about a first time expectant mother, an infant’s first hours, a family member who needed care, and an un-expected situation and those who ensured an astonishing outcome. The responses have been heartfelt and poignant telling of the lives that have been touched, bettered, and in some cases even saved at Crittenton Hospital Medical Center.  And now, Crittenton has created a community online at www.crittenton.com/community/community-defined to share and engage around health and wellness.

Crittenton’s new online home represents its forward–thinking vision and commitment toward medical care and preventative health initiatives. It is a one-stop site where users can find up-to-date health information; sign up for classes and easily locate the trusted care provider they need.  With a strong emphasis on wellness and prevention, users have access to tools to better their own health and the resources and care when outside support is needed. Users can also stay up-to-date with what’s happening at the hospital and around town as well as what’s being talked about in the Crittenton online community. 

 Placing an emphasis on a community coming together was Whole Foods Markets in Rochester, the North Oakland Family YMCA and DeClaire Knee and Orthopaedic Institute who also rallied to support Crittenton’s Community Defined program. To help kick off the story-telling initiative in July; these three organizations helped create an impressive wellness package that community members had an opportunity to win if their stories were highlighted.

This effort continues to unite a wellness community that spans North Oakland, Macomb and Lapeer Counties. Together in wellness, hope, and triumph, the community is telling their stories and these defining moments have formed Crittenton's rich history and are showcased at www.crittenton.com/our-defining-moments.  

“We weren’t sure what to expect from the community when we first started the campaign,” said Brian Birney, director of marketing and communications, Crittenton Hospital, “But the response solidified our belief that great healthcare goes beyond a building and brings people together”. Here is glimpse at some of the stories.

 “Last March while in Florida, my wife was told she needed open heart surgery,” mentions Jerry Carr, husband of a Crittenton patient. “After a few phone calls and remembering past good experiences at Crittenton we decided to risk the two and a half day drive back to Rochester. We arrived on a Monday and she was in the OR the next Monday. We cannot say enough thanks for the good treatment at Crittenton”.

“Today I received a wonderful card in the mail from Crittenton. Inside was a personal note from the nurse that cared for me in the ER. It really made my day. Thank you so much for the wonderful care I received in the ER. Sometimes it's the kindness of a stranger that makes all the difference.”

“In the winter of 2005 our beautiful and healthy daughter was born at Crittenton”. 

 “I am a weekly Spiritual Care Volunteer in the Emergency Room. My job is to help ease the patients fear and let them know that they are not alone. I have had multiple people tell me that I am an angel by helping them to smile and laugh when they felt like crying. This is the most personally rewarding experience of my life.”

Crittenton Hospital is recognized by the American Heart Association as a “Fit Friendly Worksite”, is one of Hospitals and Health Network’s “Most Wired of 2012” and recently received an Award of Excellence in the Full Service Hospital category by Health Care Weekly Review. To share a story or to read more visit, www.crittenton.com.