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

Patient Story

‘The tumor is just melting away’

A 10-year-old girl's fight against a rare cancer brings her to West Michigan for precision treatment.

Off to college?

A new routine and a new life away from home can be stressful for many young adults. Try these helpful tips to manage anxieties.

Patient Story

Kids conquer the diamond

Minor League baseball team puts patients from children's hospital in charge for one special night.

How to fight lower back pain

Diet and lifestyle changes—and a critical look at your workplace setup—could help put you on the path to healing.

One step at a time

Want to make a big impact on your health? Sit less and move more. Even a small amount of daily physical activity can make a difference.

‘I never knew I liked cauliflower’

A creative cooking class whips up family-friendly, healthy meal ideas for kids and parents.

‘Everybody here is a miracle’

Transplant Games of America brings transplant recipients together to celebrate life.

‘A small but meaningful act’

With fewer blood donations made during the travel season, summer is an important time to donate.

Thinking about a 5K? Think strategy

For the novice or the returning runner, these five tips can get you closer to your race goals.

Patient Story

A boatload of fun

Santa makes a splash as he brings Christmas in July to little ones spending summer days in the children's hospital.

‘A race against time’

Diagnosed with a fast-growing tumor at 5 weeks old, Alexander Neal undergoes treatment with precision medicine—and it's delivering promising results.

Patient Story

Ava, Ollie and Caramel Willy

With a cat and a new puppy awaiting her return home, a West Michigan girl ventures across the state for a precision cancer treatment.