Author:

Rick Jensen

Rick Jensen enjoys tapping into his creative writing skills to share the stories of Spectrum Health and its patients with the world. Prior to joining the Health Beat team full time, he worked on the PR team at Spectrum Health promoting Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, the Spectrum Health Cancer Center as well as other initiatives and programs. He comes to the role with years of communications experience, working in the past as a communications manager at Davenport University and then in PR for Seyferth and Frederik Meijer Gardens.

Rick is an avid social media addict who enjoys cooking and summers in Michigan with his partner, Eric, their dog, Walter, and two cats.

Rick holds a master’s degree in management from Davenport University and a bachelor’s degree from Grand Valley State University in advertising and public relations. He is past president for the West Michigan chapter of Public Relations Society of America and leads PR efforts for Festival of the Arts in downtown Grand Rapids. Rick has been honored by the Grand Rapids Business Journal as a 40 under Forty honoree and was also awarded PR Professional of the Year from West Michigan PRSA. A few noteworthy stories he is responsible for landing include these: Today Show Online, Inside Edition, Parent’s Magazine, People Magazine, Detroit Free Press and Michigan Radio.

Posts from Rick Jensen

‘A little bit of hope and support’

Frontline health care heroes get a boost from their colleagues as COVID-19 surges.

The ‘Golden Girl of nursing’

Lana Lucas, 78, is on the front lines, working 13-hour shifts administering COVID-19 vaccines.

‘Love thy neighbor’

Religious leaders join forces to encourage COVID-19 vaccinations within their communities.

Patient Story

‘Doggy, doggy, doggy! Here, doggy!’

K-9 officers brighten the day of a girl as she received treatment for cancer at the children's hospital.

Patient Story

‘The best day ever!’

Cookie decorating kits bring joy to kiddos spending Valentine's week in the hospital.

Patient Story

‘Best gift ever’

Santa visits the tiniest patients at the children's hospital to spread holiday cheer.

Patient Story

Visits with Santa go virtual

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. and Mrs. Claus enjoy a Zoom visit with patients at the children’s hospital.

Patient Story

Need a flu shot? Curbside is the way to go

Drive-up vaccinations are now available at more than 40 Spectrum Health locations across West Michigan.

Cholesterol 101: What you need to know

Underestimate the importance of diet, activity and family history at your own risk.

Patient Story

Horses make house calls

A special camp delivers happiness on horseback for children who suffer from cancer and blood disorders.

Patient Story

‘A dream come true’

Blue Glass Studios hosts a culinary challenge where kids make pizza with the pros.

Patient Story

Curbside care from the comfort of your car

Spectrum Health pilots new option for routine treatment and vaccinations.