A.J. Jones receives health care leadership
award
A.J. Jones, N.D., president & CEO of the Family
Health Center of Battle Creek (FHC), received the 2009
Dale G. Griffin Healthcare Leadership Award. This accolade,
which recognizes exemplary contributions that improve
the quality and accessibility of health care in greater
Battle Creek, is presented annually by Battle Creek Health
System.
"A.J. has long been an advocate for those who thought
they had no voice in personal health care," says
Denise Brooks-Williams, president and CEO of Battle Creek
Health System. "He is a champion and believer that
all people should have access to quality health care,
with respect for their personal dignity, without regard
of income level or ethnic background. He leads a dynamic
organization that does some amazing things for those
in need. He is a most worthy winner of this prestigious
award."
Speaking about Dr. Jones, Dr. John J.H. Schwarz, former
U.S. representative, state senator, mayor of Battle Creek,
member of the BCHS medical staff, and past winner of
the Griffin Award says, "We are indeed fortunate
to have A.J. Jones helping others as he does. He is someone
who has contributed so very much to the health and wellbeing
of the residents in our community."
A Michigan native, Dr. Jones holds a Doctorate of Nursing
and Master's of Science in Nursing degrees from the Rush
University College of Nursing in Chicago, Illinois, and
a Bachelor of Science degree from the Michigan State
College of Nursing. His professional experiences include
public and private health care administration as well
as direct patient care. He was an assistant clinical
nurse manager in Kalamazoo before coming to Battle Creek
in 1987 when he began work at Visiting Nurse Services.
He served as a case manager and consultant in Grand Rapids
from 1990-1992, before returning to Battle Creek as director
of operations at the Family Health Center. Soon thereafter,
he was named FHC president and CEO, a position he has
held since 1992.
Dr. Jones has worked with community leaders to address
serious challenges facing Battle Creek due to a critical
shortage of obstetrical and gynecological physicians.
He achieved approval by Bureau of Primary Health Care/Health
Resource and Service Administration to add OB/GYN services
to the center's scope of service delivery. He has spearheaded
two major drives to expand the current Battle Creek facility
by more than 30,000 square feet to accommodate the new
OB/GYN services, the center's physical capacity for pediatrics
and family practice exam rooms, and increase the dental
area from 10 to 20 exam rooms and chairs. Under his leadership,
FHC is in the process of converting from paper files
to electronic health records.
The Griffin Award is named in honor of longtime community
leader and volunteer Dale G. Griffin who died following
a battle with cancer in 2001.
Past winners of the award include Chris Christ (2001);
Charles Seifert, M.D. (2002); John J.H. Schwarz, M.D.
(2003); Jack Mawdsley, Ed.D. (2004); Joseph M. Stewart
(2005); Rick Tsoumas (2006); John Girardot, M.D. (2007);
and Barbara L. Comai and William B. Comai, M.D. (2008).
Battle Creek Health System, sponsored by two parent
organizations--Trinity Health (the fourth largest Catholic
health system in the U.S. with 21 hospitals, 9 nursing
homes, 19 senior house facilities, 8 home health care
agencies, and 4 hospices in Michigan alone) and BCHS
Community Partners, is accredited by the Joint Commission
on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. Battle
Creek Health System, a member of the Mercy Cancer Network,
is a recipient of the 2008 HealthGrades Orthopaedic Surgery
Excellence Award(tm) and 2009 Five Star rated for joint
replacement surgery and total knee replacement. HealthGrades
is a leading health care information company that provides
objective 'report card' ratings nationwide. BCHS provides
excellent health care for the community and promotes
wellness for the whole person with access and compassion
for all. For the latest medical information, visit the
BCHS web site at www.bchealth.com or call the BCHS Marketing
Department at (269) 966-8132.
A.J. Jones, president & CEO of the Family Health
Center of Battle Creek, center, is the recipient of
the 2009 Dale G. Griffin Healthcare Leadership Award.
Pictured with him are Mark Crawford, left, vice president
of business development at Battle Creek Health System
and Dr. John J.H. Schwarz, former U.S. representative,
state senator, mayor of Battle Creek, member of the
BCHS medical staff, and past winner of the Griffin
Award. The award is given annually in recognition of
exemplary contributions that improve the quality and
accessibility of health care in greater Battle Creek.
|
