Children and Health Services in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Families in Grand Rapids have access to a wide range of free and low‑cost health services for children, including medical, dental, mental health, and disability support. Local healthcare systems such as Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, University of Michigan Health–West (Metro Health), and Mercy Health work alongside public agencies like the Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health to support children’s health from birth through adolescence.

As a parent or legal guardian, you play a central role in working with healthcare professionals and making decisions that are in your child’s best interests.

Your Role and Rights as a Parent or Guardian

Making Medical Decisions for Your Child

As a parent or legal guardian in Grand Rapids:

  • You are responsible for talking with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers on your child’s behalf.
  • You make medical treatment decisions for your child until they are old enough and legally able to decide for themselves.
  • You have the right to access your child’s medical records from clinics, hospitals, and other providers in Michigan.
  • You have the right to seek a second opinion from another doctor or specialist before agreeing to treatment.

If your child needs an examination, treatment, surgery, or hospital admission at facilities like Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital (part of Corewell Health) or Trinity Health Grand Rapids, healthcare professionals must:

  • Explain your child’s condition
  • Discuss recommended treatments, risks, benefits, and alternatives
  • Involve you in decision‑making
  • Obtain your informed consent

Informed consent means you:

  • Understand your child’s diagnosis or suspected condition
  • Know what treatment is being recommended (tests, medications, surgery, therapy, etc.)
  • Are aware of the benefits, risks, and possible complications
  • Have had a chance to ask questions and consider other options

You then agree (or do not agree) to the treatment based on this information.

In emergencies—such as a life‑threatening injury from a winter car accident or a serious asthma attack—doctors may treat your child without your consent if:

  • Immediate treatment is needed to save your child’s life or prevent serious harm, and
  • You are not available to provide consent in time.

Confidentiality and Privacy in Your Child’s Healthcare

Medical Confidentiality

Medical confidentiality is a set of rules that protects what you and your child discuss with healthcare providers. This includes:

  • Your child’s diagnoses and test results
  • Medications and treatments
  • Family, school, and social issues that affect health

In Michigan, providers generally cannot share this information without your permission, except in certain situations (for example, when a child is at risk of harm or when required by law).

Privacy

Privacy means that your child’s health information is kept secure and only shared with people who need to know to provide care, such as:

  • Your child’s primary care provider
  • Specialists (for example, at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital or Metro Health clinics)
  • School nurses or counselors, if you consent

You can ask any provider in Grand Rapids how your child’s information is stored, who can access it, and how you can obtain copies.

Health Coverage for Children in Grand Rapids, MI

Most children in Grand Rapids are covered by a combination of private insurance, employer plans, or public programs like Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). These programs help pay for doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, dental care, and more.

Medicaid and MIChild (CHIP)

For families with low or moderate income, Michigan offers:

  • Medicaid for children – Comprehensive coverage for eligible children, including doctor visits, hospital care, mental health services, and many preventive services at no cost or very low cost.
  • MIChild (Michigan’s CHIP program) – Low‑cost health and dental insurance for uninsured children of working families who earn too much for Medicaid but still need assistance.

You can learn more or apply through:

  • Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)
  • MI Bridges website (online application for Medicaid and MIChild)
  • Local MDHHS office in Kent County

Private Health Insurance

Many Grand Rapids families receive coverage through:

  • Employer‑sponsored insurance
  • Plans purchased through the Health Insurance Marketplace

Private insurance can:

  • Allow more choice of doctors and specialists
  • Cover extra services such as orthodontics, vision, or additional therapies
  • Help with costs not covered by public programs

Always check:

  • Which local hospitals and clinics (e.g., Corewell Health, Trinity Health, Metro Health, Mercy Health) are in‑network
  • Your co‑pays, deductibles, and out‑of‑pocket maximums

Community Health Services for Children in Grand Rapids

Local Public Health Resources

The Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health support children’s health through:

  • Immunization clinics (including catch‑up vaccines for new arrivals and refugees)
  • Lead testing and environmental health services (important in older Grand Rapids housing)
  • Nutrition and WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) programs
  • Health education for families

You can contact the Kent County Health Department for information about free or low‑cost services for your child.

Community Clinics and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)

Several community health centers in and around Grand Rapids provide sliding‑scale or low‑cost care, including:

  • Primary care and well‑child visits
  • Vaccinations
  • Chronic disease management (e.g., asthma, diabetes, which are common concerns in Michigan)
  • Referrals to specialists

Ask your child’s doctor or the Kent County Health Department for a list of nearby community clinics.

Maternal and Child Health Services

Healthy pregnancies and early childhood care are especially important in a city with cold winters and seasonal illnesses like flu and RSV.

In Grand Rapids, maternal and child health services may include:

  • Prenatal and postpartum care
  • Newborn and infant checkups
  • Breastfeeding support
  • Growth and development screenings
  • Parenting education and support groups

You can access these services through:

  • OB/GYN and midwifery practices at Corewell Health, Trinity Health, and Metro Health
  • Family medicine clinics across Grand Rapids
  • WIC clinics and community health centers

If you’re unsure where to start, call your child’s primary care office or the Kent County Health Department for guidance.

Dental Health Services for Children in Grand Rapids

Oral health is an important part of your child’s overall health. In West Michigan, children may be at higher risk for dental problems if they drink mostly bottled water (without fluoride) or have limited access to dental care.

Public and Low‑Cost Dental Care

Children in Grand Rapids may qualify for:

  • Medicaid or MIChild dental coverage, which includes routine checkups, cleanings, fillings, and other necessary treatments
  • School‑based or community dental programs, sometimes offered through local clinics and community organizations

Services are available through:

  • Pediatric dental clinics affiliated with Corewell Health or Trinity Health Grand Rapids
  • Community dental clinics and FQHCs in Kent County

Private Dental Care

Many private dental practices in Grand Rapids:

  • Accept Medicaid or MIChild
  • Offer payment plans or sliding‑scale fees
  • Provide preventive care, orthodontics, and emergency dental services

Check with your insurance provider or local dentist to confirm coverage and costs.

Mental Health Services for Children and Teens

Mental health is just as important as physical health. In Grand Rapids, children may face challenges such as:

  • Seasonal mood changes during long, dark winters
  • Stress, anxiety, or depression
  • Bullying or school pressures
  • Trauma, family conflict, or adjustment issues (especially for refugee and immigrant families)

Where to Start

If you’re concerned about your child’s behavior, emotions, or development:

  • Talk to your pediatrician or family doctor
  • Speak with a school counselor or school social worker
  • Ask your maternal health nurse or community clinic provider

They can screen your child and refer you to:

  • Child psychologists
  • Child and adolescent psychiatrists
  • Licensed counselors or social workers
  • Behavioral health programs at Corewell Health, Trinity Health, Metro Health, or Mercy Health

Many practices in Grand Rapids offer telehealth visits, which can be especially helpful during winter weather or for families with limited transportation.

Support Services for Children with Disabilities

Children with disabilities and their families in Grand Rapids can access a variety of supports funded by Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and local agencies.

Types of Services

Depending on your child’s needs, services may include:

  • Early intervention and developmental services (for infants and toddlers)
  • Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
  • Assistive devices and equipment
  • Behavioral therapy and autism services
  • Special education support through Grand Rapids Public Schools and other local districts
  • Respite care and family support services

How to Access Disability Support

You can:

  • Talk with your child’s primary care provider for referrals
  • Contact your local MDHHS office in Kent County
  • Connect with Early On Michigan for children under age 3 with developmental delays
  • Explore eligibility for the Michigan Medicaid Waiver and other disability‑related programs

The National Disability Insurance Scheme mentioned in some resources is an Australian program and does not apply in Michigan. In Grand Rapids, support is provided through Michigan‑specific programs and local agencies.

Health Services for Refugee and Asylum-Seeking Children

Grand Rapids is home to a growing community of refugees and recent immigrants. Many families arrive from regions with limited healthcare access and may need:

  • Catch‑up immunizations
  • Screening for infections (such as tuberculosis or hepatitis)
  • Support for trauma, loss, and adjustment
  • Language and cultural interpretation services

Refugee children in Grand Rapids can access:

  • Primary care at community clinics and hospital‑based practices
  • The Refugee Health Program coordinated through MDHHS and local agencies
  • Torture and trauma counseling and mental health services
  • School‑based support through Grand Rapids Public Schools and other districts

Most services are available regardless of immigration or visa status. The Kent County Health Department and local resettlement agencies can help connect families to appropriate care.

Parenting Helplines and Online Resources

In addition to local clinics and hospitals, Grand Rapids parents can access:

  • Nurse advice lines – Many health systems (Corewell Health, Trinity Health, Metro Health, Mercy Health) offer 24/7 nurse phone lines for urgent health questions.
  • Michigan 2‑1‑1 – Dial 2‑1‑1 or visit the website to find local health, mental health, food, housing, and parenting resources.
  • Raising Children Network (online) – General parenting information and advice about children of all ages.
  • National hotlines – For crisis situations or urgent mental health concerns, you can call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) anywhere in the U.S.

Check your child’s health system website for specific nurse advice numbers (for example, a “Nurse On Call” or “Ask‑A‑Nurse” service) available to Grand Rapids families.

Seasonal and Local Health Considerations in Grand Rapids

Living in West Michigan brings specific health issues to keep in mind:

  • Cold winters and snow – Higher risk of colds, flu, RSV, frostbite, and injuries from falls or car accidents. Make sure your child is up to date on flu vaccines and dressed appropriately for the weather.
  • Allergies and asthma – Pollen in spring and summer, plus indoor air issues in older homes, can trigger asthma. Work with your child’s doctor to create an asthma action plan.
  • Great Lakes and water safety – In summer, children spend time at Lake Michigan and local rivers. Teach water safety, use life jackets, and watch for rip currents and water quality advisories.

Your child’s primary care provider can help you plan for these seasonal issues and keep your child healthy year‑round.

Where to Get Help in Grand Rapids, MI

If you need support with your child’s health:

  • Primary Care Provider (PCP) – Pediatrician or family doctor (Corewell Health, Trinity Health, Metro Health, Mercy Health, or community clinics)
  • Kent County Health Department – Immunizations, WIC, public health nursing, and community programs
  • Michigan 2‑1‑1 – For referrals to local health, mental health, and family support services
  • School Nurse or Counselor – For concerns about your child’s learning, behavior, or mental health
  • Emergency – Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department for life‑threatening situations

By understanding your rights, knowing what services are available, and using the strong healthcare network in Grand Rapids, you can help your child grow up healthy, safe, and supported.