Every year late in the month of December many of us think about the joys and losses experienced during the year. This year, for Family Medical Center of Michigan our thoughts turn to Carl VanWert and Pamela LaPan. They served as Board members for Family Medical Center of MI, a Federally Qualified Health Center and both passed away within the last few months.
Carl and Pam were not just Board members – they were instrumental in founding our organization more than 43 years ago. They were inspirational and what we call “foundational people”. They inspired all of us to think about how we can bring healthcare to those in need and cannot afford to pay. They were founders of an organization that now serves thousands of people in Southeast Michigan, especially in Monroe County. They were visionaries but more than that, both had the tenacity and the strength to help create and turn their vision into a not-for-profit healthcare system that since its founding over 40 years ago has had more than 1 million patients walk through its doors.
For all their achievements personally and professionally, Carl and Pam were humble and down earth people. Carl never mentioned that he was a lawyer and also served as sheriff of the county of Monroe for a number of years, instead he talked about his family and his love for Michigan. Carl served on the Board with joy, sharing his wisdom and knowledge of people and community with staff and the board - making us a stronger organization.
We all remember Pam as a strong and sometimes feisty individual who always wanted to serve the needy within her communities. She passionately fought to establish Family Medical Center of Michigan and worked countless hours over the years to help grow the organization and to fully execute Family Medical Center of Michigan’s mission. Pam always asked “how can we do more to serve those in need, especially our low-income senior citizens”? Being on our Board for Pam was a love affair in her commitment to the community and what she held dear.
We at Family Medical Center of Michigan will miss Carl and Pam. The communities that they served are better off because of them, and our hearts go out to their families who were gracious enough to share Carl and Pam with us for so many years.
Ed Larkins, CEO, Family Medical Center of Michigan, Inc.