Helen Newberry Joy Hospital Welcomes New CEO, Helen Johnson
We are thrilled to introduce Helen Johnson as the new CEO of Helen Newberry Joy Hospital! With over 30 years of experience in the healthcare industry, Helen brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep commitment to rural healthcare.
A Lifelong Commitment to Healthcare
Helen’s journey in healthcare began at the age of 21 when she took her first job as a Registered Nurse on the Oncology unit in Marquette. Over the years, she has held various leadership roles, including Chief Nurse, Chief Operating Officer, and Hospital President, across different Michigan communities such as Marquette, Ludington, and the Lansing area. Helen holds a Master’s in Nursing from the University of Phoenix and is excited to bring her expertise to Helen Newberry Joy Hospital.
Passion for Rural Healthcare
Growing up in a small town of about 250 people, Helen understands the unique challenges faced by rural communities in accessing quality healthcare. She is dedicated to building strong connections within the community and addressing the barriers to care that rural residents often encounter. “We will strive to be the best at providing care within our capabilities and connect patients with services beyond our current scope,” Helen said, emphasizing her commitment to excellence in patient care.
Vision and Priorities for HNJH
As she steps into her role as CEO, Helen is focused on getting to know the hospital staff and the community members to better understand the culture and needs of the hospital. Her immediate priorities include listening and learning from these interactions to identify areas where HNJH can continue to excel and where improvements can be made. Helen is passionate about expanding services, supporting preventive and holistic care, and strengthening partnerships to improve the overall health of the community.
Engaging with the Community
Helen recognizes the importance of being involved in the community and looks forward to engaging in events and meeting our incredible community members! HNJH currently provides services across a large geographical footprint and she is committed to reaching out beyond Newberry to understand how people are getting their healthcare needs met—or where gaps exist.
Addressing Challenges in Rural Healthcare
Helen acknowledges the unique challenges faced by rural healthcare providers, including infrastructure limitations such as high-speed internet, public transportation, and access to specialized medical services. She believes that addressing these challenges requires collaboration with a wide range of community partners, including schools, local government, and social
service organizations. Her goal is to develop solutions that make a tangible difference in the lives of the community members HNJH serves.
A Personal Touch
Helen’s leadership style is deeply influenced by her extensive experience in nursing and her commitment to community involvement. From organizing highway clean-ups with Rotary to advocating for legislative support for healthcare funding, she is dedicated to making a positive impact. In her free time, Helen enjoys genealogy, hiking, reading, and watching college football. She is excited to explore the local area, from snowmobile trails to favorite eateries like Moo-Fin Fries in Naubinway. Helen also has a passion for homemade soups, which she looks forward to sharing with her colleagues as the weather cools.
Looking to the Future
Helen’s long-term vision for Helen Newberry Joy Hospital is to continue building on its history of excellence while exploring opportunities for growth. She envisions HNJH expanding its services and becoming a larger partner in the community’s journey toward improved health. Helen’s approach is grounded in collaboration, believing that the health of the community extends beyond medical care to include education, employment, and a safe environment.
Helen Johnson’s arrival marks a new chapter for Helen Newberry Joy Hospital. With Helen leading the way, HNJH is well-positioned to continue providing exceptional care while embracing new opportunities to serve the community.
