“Healthcare Hero Named”

A “Healthcare Hero” award was presented to Matt Chambers, President and CEO of Three Rivers Area Hospital.  The surprise award was made at the Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA) board meeting on Wednesday, November 20, by the Michigan Association of Hospital Auxiliaries (MAHA.)  The organization represents 121 hospital auxiliaries in Michigan with over 26,100 members.  These volunteers will collectively work over 3 million hours this year, equating to over $45 million in services.  Additionally, these volunteers raised over $8.7 million dollars for their member hospitals.

According to Marilyn Beverley of Munising Michigan, president of the association, Mr. Chambers’ “contributions to healthcare are remarkable, and he truly understands what volunteering is all about.”

“Volunteers have made all the difference in my life,” Mr. Chambers said when he spoke recently to some 400 auxiliary members gathered from across the state.  “My grandmother started it when I was three by offering to give me free piano lessons.”  Others stepped forward over the years with scholarships, musical instruments, and kindness to further the development of Matt’s musical talents, culminating in a degree in music and piano performance, and subsequently his healthcare education. 

Three Rivers was alerted to Mr. Chambers talent and energy when he delighted the audience by hopping up on the stage in a tuxedo to lead the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra at the request of Maestro Yoshimi Takeda at Memory Isle Park in 1998.  Today Mr. Chambers volunteers his talents at rest homes, churches, and hospital programs.  He even played at the Mayo Clinic recently when he was there with his son.  “Volunteering is a gift that can keep on giving,” Mr. Chambers pointed out.  He has passed on the desire to serve to his son, who often sings with his father.

“Everyone’s education, skills, and life experience are needed by our communities,” Mr. Chambers says.  His current volunteer work includes using his Masters Degree in Hospital and Healthcare Administration received from the University of Minnesota to counsel high school students and mentor graduate students interested in health care careers.  Experience serving on the Red Cross Board for Greater Salt Lake and with various Chamber of Commerce groups prepared him for his current service as Immediate Past-President of the Three Rivers Area Chamber of Commerce. 

Since 1997, Southwest Michigan and rural hospital interests have been well represented as Mr. Chambers has served on the Michigan Hospital Association’s Legislative Policy Panel and the Governance Subcommittee. He was subsequently elected to the Michigan Hospital Association’s corporate board in June of 2000.  He is the current Chair of the Southwest Michigan Hospital Council and the Chair of the MHA’s Healthcare Careers Task Force, all volunteer positions. 

His early healthcare career began in Utah with the Division of Medicaid Operations.  This prepared him for his current volunteer work with the MHA’s Medicaid Work Group, the Fetzer Institutional Coordinating Council for Relationship Centered Care (RCC), and other community initiatives.  His is a strong voice of advocacy on behalf of Three Rivers Area Hospital, Southwest Michigan and all of Michigan’s citizens.

For information about joining a hospital volunteer program, contact your local hospital.