Veteran labor and employment attorney Carl Ver Beek was recently honored by the Midwest Interprofessional Practice, Education and Research Center (MIPERC) for his contributions to area health care-related initiatives.
Ver Beek was the recipient of the Community Award, in recognition of his “many contributions, commitment and guidance provided to the interprofessional and health related initiatives affecting education, business and practice, in an effort to improve the health of our communities.”
Ver Beek has been involved in West Michigan health care initiatives for more than 30 years. His interest stemmed in large part from his legal practice, in which he frequently represented employers grappling with health care costs for the workforce.
Ver Beek was a founder of the Health Care and Human Resources Committee of the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, which he also chaired for more than 20 years. Other health care-related organizations he has served include Faith Hospice, Health Net of West Michigan, Holland Home and Kent Health Plan Corporation.
Although retired from his law practice, Ver Beek remains interested and involved in health care events and initiatives. Recently, he and other members of the Chamber’s Health Care and Human Resources Committee were invited to meet with U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, the current ranking member of the Health Subcommittee of the Senate Finance Committee. Ver Beek served as the spokesperson as the Chamber presented a position paper that examines and offers solutions for escalating pharmaceutical costs.
Ver Beek was nominated for the MIPERC Community Award by Katie Branch, Director of Simulation at GVSU.
“Carl graciously volunteers his time and resources to assist in coaching, mentoring and providing networking opportunities to advocate for equitable, quality and safe health care in the community,” Branch said.
The award was presented in conjunction with the 12th annual MIPERC Conference held Sept. 19-20 in Grand Rapids and attended by partners from six states. More about the organization can be found at https://www.gvsu.edu/miperc/.