Bronson Battle Creek Hospital Partners with Southwestern Michigan Urban League to Help Improve Health Outcomes
BATTLE CREEK, Mich. – Bronson Battle Creek Hospital is proud to announce a partnership with the Southwestern Michigan Urban League (SWMUL) to advance community health through education and initiatives that encourage proactive wellness and prevention.
This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to improving health outcomes across the greater Battle Creek area. By focusing on prevention and strengthening community connections, Bronson and SWMUL aim to increase awareness, build trust and reduce preventable hospital visits. The long-term goal is to build a healthier, more resilient Battle Creek for everyone.
“This is truly an exciting and meaningful partnership,” said Joe du Lac, Bronson Healthcare Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Bronson Battle Creek Hospital. “Our teams are working together to connect more people with high-quality health care, support services and tools for long-term wellness. We want to be the trusted partner for our entire community and ensure that every individual feels welcome, safe and cared for when they walk through our doors. We will know we’ve achieved our mission when the community says, ‘this is our hospital’.”
SWMUL’s community health initiatives include creating easier pathways for regular check-ups, urgent care, wellness classes and financial planning resources. Together, the organizations have identified key areas for improvement and plan to implement the following priorities:
- Promote the importance of regular primary care visits.
- Reduce barriers to care, including transportation, affordability and provider access.
- Expand community-based wellness education and screenings.
- Launch the “Afro Health Club” – a hub for check-ups, urgent care services and classes on topics like budgeting, nutrition and healthy habits.
"I deeply appreciate Bronson Healthcare for prioritizing authentic engagement within our communities. Their willingness to listen, learn and truly understand the unique healthcare needs and concerns of different populations speaks to a commitment that goes beyond words, said Carmen Bell, SWMUL Board Member. “I am looking forward to seeing how this dialogue translates into meaningful action."
About Bronson Battle Creek Hospital
Bronson Battle Creek Hospital is a 189-bed, all-private room hospital offering comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. It is nationally recognized for its commitment to clinical quality and patient experience. Services include emergency care, heart and vascular care, orthopedics and sports medicine, cancer care, neurology and neurosurgery, women’s health and maternity care, general surgery, diagnostics and rehabilitation.
In 2023, Bronson Battle Creek was the recipient of the Healthgrades Surgical Care Excellence Award™, named one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Gastrointestinal Surgery™ and one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Prostate Surgery™. It also ranked #5 in Michigan for Critical Care in 2025 by Healthgrades®. Its state-of-the-art Cancer Care Center has been continuously accredited by the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons since 1995.
About Southwestern Michigan Urban League (SWMUL)
The Southwestern Michigan Urban League is a nonprofit community organization dedicated to improving lives through education, workforce development, economic empowerment and access to health services. SWMUL provides a variety of programs for adults, youth and families aimed at creating a healthier, more prosperous community.
