Healthcare Heroes Celebrated by community partners at Flint Firebirds Game

Fundraising proceeds benefited the Genesee County Free Medical Clinic

FLINT – On Saturday, February 7, Genesee Health Plan (GHP) and Sovita Credit Union co-sponsored the Healthcare Heroes Night in partnership with the Flint Firebirds, providing healthcare employees with a free ticket to enjoy the game against the Erie Otters.

The Healthcare Heroes appreciation night was established in the 2021-22 season to recognize and honor local healthcare workers for their service and commitment to the community and has been a mainstay of the promotional schedule ever since. From the start, the Genesee County Free Medical Clinic has been the beneficiary of the Healthcare Heroes appreciation night fundraising, which helps ensure Genesee County residents without medical coverage can seek immediate healthcare services from the clinic. 3,763 fans attended the appreciation night, helping raise $1,025 in 50/50 raffle proceeds for the clinic.

The clinic also houses a GHP Community Health Worker on site a few times a month to connect with patients, enrolling them into healthcare coverage and providing resources for additional needs. Sovita Credit Union partners with the clinic on their annual “Healing Hands 5k Run/Walk”; a fundraiser that benefits the clinic which is scheduled for Saturday May 16^th at Mott Community College Event Center.

To commemorate the evening, Julie Forbush of Sovita Credit Union, Shannon Ciszek of Genesee Health Plan, and Stacey Doyle of the Genesee County Free Medical Clinic, were welcomed to the ice to participate in the ceremonial puck drop. The puck drop not only signified the start of the game but showcased the power of partnership in the Flint and Genesee County community.

Pictured left to right: 

Flint Firebirds Team Captain, Nathan Aspinall

Flint Firebirds Athletic Trainer, Phil Fazio

Flint Firebirds Team President, Jeremy Torrey

Flint Firebirds Owner and Governor, Captain Rolf Nilsen

Sovita Credit Union Business Development Representative, Julie Forbush

GHP Communications Coordinator, Shannon Ciszek

Genesee County Free Medical Clinic Executive Director, Stacey Doyle

Erie Otters Athletic Trainer, Meagan Briant

Erie Otters Alternate Captain, Julius Saari