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.
River Bank Junior Race draws hundreds of kiddos for an evening of physical activity and family fun.
Three nurses forge a special bond after working more than four decades together in the NICU.
Minimally invasive surgery helps Udona Love, 46, return to her favorite pastime—playing with grandkids.
Kids, families and caregivers celebrate the gift of organ donation as they meet the new Gift of Life Michigan mascot.
After tearing his Achilles tendon, Benjaman Bennetts has minimally invasive surgery to ensure he's ready for his wedding dance.
As you celebrate Earth Day, learn new ways to contribute to a healthier planet—and a healthier you.
Antihistamines, nasal sprays and rinses are the go-to treatments in the coming allergy battle.
With skill and grace, the Child and Family Life team brings education and entertainment to young patients.
In his battle against kidney disease, 11-year-old Isaac has become a familiar, smiling face at dialysis treatments.
Small changes in diet and lifestyle can reap big results in the long haul—but you have to commit.
Thousands brave brisk temps and a light drizzle to welcome the return of this festive 5K in West Michigan.
For Austin Gossard, 16, a multiple sclerosis diagnosis came 'out of the blue'—but he's still full steam ahead on a bright future.
