Secchia CarePartners Program

Life can be challenging for a family when your child has a complex health situation and needs ongoing medical care, especially if you’re traveling long distances to receive that care. The Peter and Joan Secchia CarePartners Program was established to help families with children who have complex health situations as they navigate their way through the health care system. 

If your child sees three or more specialty providers at or affiliated with Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, we can help.

How We Can Help

As part of the Secchia CarePartners program you will have a nurse care coordinator assigned to your family who will be dedicated to you and your care team. This person will be an advocate, who can help with logistics, scheduling, support and information, so you can focus more on your child and family.

In partnering with you, we provide:

•  An initial needs assessment with the nurse care coordinator, where we will discuss and identify your family’s needs, priorities and gaps together, then help develop a plan to assist you
• Guidance and support to understand medical information and treatment plans
• Communication and support between you and members of your child’s health care team
• Referrals to support services including social work, pastoral care, financial counseling and community resources
• Coordination of referrals, medical appointments, procedures and tests, streamlining as much as possible to make the best use of your time and eliminate unnecessary travel
• Attendance at medical appointments at your request and when schedules allow

Patient and Family Lounge

Available Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and by appointment after hours, the lounge serves as a place to rest between appointments or testing. 

The lounge is a shared space to be used in a safe, friendly and respectful manner. Children must be attended by an adult. 

Graduation

As children grow and family needs change, Secchia CarePartners support may no longer be necessary. If your child seems ready to graduate from the program, we will help in the transition planning. 

Contact Us

The Peter and Joan Secchia CarePartners Program 
35 Michigan Street NE, Suite 1001 
Grand Rapids, MI 49503 
Phone 616.267.0868 
Fax 616.267.0362