Packard Health
3174 Packard Road
Ann Arbor, MI 48108

Packard Health West
501 N. Maple Road
Ann Arbor, MI 48103

Phone: 734.971.1073
Fax: 734.971.8545
info@packardhealth.org

Becoming a Packard Health Patient

Our mission and values

What sets Packard Health apart

Board-certified providers and practitioners

Staff

Board of Trustees

Community partners

History and innovations

Hours & Directions

About Us

Packard Health History and Innovations

1960s - 1970s
While attending medical school at the University of Michigan, Jerry Walden worked in inner-city hospitals in the United States, and in Nigeria. During the Vietnam War he served as Medical Director for Terra Haute Federal Prison in Indiana as an alternative to joining the military. These combined experiences moved Dr. Walden to dedicate his career to community-building efforts and the expansion of health care accessibility. Dr. Walden worked at the Summit Medical Center with Edward Pierce, MD, for a short time, and then founded Packard Community Clinic (later renamed Packard Health) in 1973.

Since its inception, Packard Health has maintained its original commitment to outreach in under-served communities and to the extension of excellent health care to all. In its early days, the clinic provided health education, social work, and substance abuse counseling, in addition to outstanding primary health care.

1980s - 1990s
In 1980, Dr. Walden and the Packard staff organized the first annual Children's Health Fair.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the clinic grew steadily, particularly under the leadership of Julie Walden, LMSW, MSOD, who joined the staff in 1994 as Administrator. She shared Dr. Walden's deep commitment to the clinic's mission, and contributed a business perspective which helped Packard to flourish.

In 1998, in celebration of its 25th anniversary, Packard Community Clinic hosted a lecture series entitled "Health as a Celebration of Life," featuring Jocelyn Elders, MD, Surgeon General of the United States.

2000 - 2001
In 2000, Dr. Walden was named Family Physician of the Year by the Michigan Academy of Family Practice.

In 2001, Julie Walden was a driving force in the development of the Washtenaw Health Plan, a county-sponsored program aimed at increasing access to health care for the uninsured. Packard Community Clinic quickly became a provider of choice for Washtenaw Health Plan members.

2003
Julie Walden collaborated with the Washtenaw Community Health Organization to design the integrated behavioral health and primary health care programs, and Encompass, the integrated electronic medical record-keeping system. This integrated health program continues to serve as a national model of excellence.

Dr. Walden and Karen Koeppe, MS, RD, CDE, initiated the Diabetes Group medical appointments, which offered patients both clinical and social support, enabling them to manage their diabetes more effectively. Quarterly Diabetes Group visits continue today.

Raymond Rion, MD, joined the Packard Community Clinic staff.

2004
University of Michigan President Mary Sue Coleman headlined the "Health Care For All" symposium, a celebration honoring Packard's 30th anniversary.

Karen Koeppe launched the Packard Pacers, a summer exercise and walking program for Packard patients and their families.

2006
Packard Community Clinic initiated a series of health education and disease management classes that generated great enthusiasm among patients and community members. Favorite class topics included: heart health, the health benefits of tea, pain control, smoking cessation, and nutrition.

2007
Dr. Walden and Julie Walden retired from Packard Community Clinic. They continue to advise the staff and Board of Trustees on issues of strategy and development.

Raymond Rion, MD, became Packard's Medical Director, and Kimberly Kratz, MSW, MPH, joined Packard as Executive Director. They both brought to the team outstanding skills, extensive experience, and a fresh perspective that complemented the mission and values established by the Waldens.

Packard Health continued to be at the forefront of technological advancement with its implementation of the integrated electronic medical record. Packard providers began using Doctor First, an electronic prescription system. Such information system advances are critical for process and quality improvement in medical practice.

2008
Packard Community Clinic changed its name to Packard Health.

Packard Health added Alice Penrose, MD, and Jean Wong, MD, to its team of outstanding physicians, and expanded the clinic's on-site services to include colposcopy and Hemoglobin A1c testing.

With support from the Washtenaw Health Plan, Packard initiated hospital discharge case management by contacting Health Plan members after emergency room visits and hospital discharge, in an effort to increase timely and appropriate use of community health care resources.

With sponsorship from the United Way of Washtenaw County, Packard Health initiated the Food for Health and Patient Advocacy programs to assist patients with food support, insurance enrollment, and case management. Partners in these programs include Hope Clinic and Food Gatherers.

In collaboration with the Hikone Residents Council and Community Action Network, Packard launched the Hikone Community Health Worker Program, a health promotion program aimed at surpassing the Washtenaw Health Improvement Plan's objectives related to asthma, immunizations, oral health, and insurance and social service enrollment.

2009
Packard Health launches Medfusion, a patient portal that enables secure e-visits and other website functionality.

Packard Health is currently working with the Washtenaw Community Health Organization to add Cielo Clinic, a software system for documenting and reporting on clinical care.

Packard Health is contributing to current medical research on several important projects, including a study by Amy Killborn, PhD, of the University of Michigan's Department of Psychiatry, which explores primary care providers' adaptation of behavioral health interventions; and another study by John Piette, PhD, also of the University of Michigan's Department of Psychiatry, exploring the use of technology to support patients with depression.

Packard has begun a collaboration with Food Gatherers and Zingerman's Community of Businesses to provide care for employees who are injured at work.

Packard Health's integrated care program has gained national recognition over the past five years as an approach that dramatically improves patient care. Packard is regarded regionally and nationally as a model of excellence. Dr. Rion presents the integrated care program regularly at national conferences.