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

‘Never quit quitting’

At age 40, Jeff VanderVeen's health troubles prompted him to take action—he kicked the habit and hit the slopes.

Is your child SAD?

Seasonal affective disorder affects people regardless of age. Here's what you need to know.

Patient Story

Jameson’s journey

In the quest to treat their 6-year-old boy's rare disease, a California couple finds answers in West Michigan.

The bountiful benefits of berries

A dietitian serves up 10 reasons to make these superfoods a staple of meals, snacks and smoothies.

‘Prevention is worth a pound of cure’

Amid a steady drop in COVID-19 cases, health leaders offer important reminders about the value of cardiovascular care.

Patient Story

‘This really makes our kids smile’

An emergency department nurse delivers bright bundles of love on Valentine’s Day.

‘Definitely getting better’

COVID-19 numbers continue to improve across West Michigan.

Game day? Think ‘health forward’

A culinary medicine expert offers some handy tips to keep your snacks from running afoul.

‘Cautiously optimistic’

As COVID-19 positivity rate continues to drop, vaccination for age 5 and under nears approval.

Flu shot? Better late than never

Even midway through flu season, the vaccine can deliver added protection.

‘Better and better each day’

As the COVID-19 positivity rate steadily declines, there's optimism for the weeks ahead.

Smiles on skates

As the end of his cancer treatment nears, a 7-year-old boy is treated to a surprise unveiling of a backyard ice rink.