About Us
Strengthening Healthcare
Across Michigan Region 6
For over 20 years, we've been uniting healthcare organizations to build resilient communities through collaborative preparedness and response.
Our Mission
To ensure hospitals and healthcare partners are ready to work together and provide coordinated, effective care during emergencies that impact our communities—through collaborative planning, resource sharing, training, and communication across Michigan Region 6.
Our Vision
A fully integrated healthcare system across 13 West Michigan counties where hospitals, EMS, and public health agencies work seamlessly together during emergencies—ensuring every community member receives the care they need, when it matters most.
What Drives Us
Our Core Values
Compassion
We prioritize patient care and community wellbeing in everything we do
Collaboration
We believe in the power of partnerships and working together towards common goals
Excellence
We strive for the highest standards in preparedness and response capabilities
Integrity
We operate with transparency, accountability, and ethical practices
Our Journey
Coalition History
2002
Coalition Founded
Michigan Region 6 Healthcare Coalition established in response to the National Bioterrorism Hospital Preparedness Program, serving 13 counties across West Michigan
2015
Training Center Launch
Opened dedicated training facility for emergency preparedness education
2020
COVID-19 Response
Coordinated regional response efforts during the global pandemic
2012
HCC Grant Recipient
Received federal Healthcare Coalition grant funding to expand programs
2018
Communication Network
Implemented redundant communication systems across all partner organizations
2023
200+ Partners
Grew to over 200 partner organizations including 20 hospitals, 64 long-term care facilities, 14 emergency management programs, and more across 13 counties
Our Team
Leadership
Jerry Evans, MD
Medical Director
MD
Dr. Evans attended medical school at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine and did his residency at Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas. He has been the medical director for the Region 6 HCC program since 2005. He currently also serves as Medical Director of Mercy Health Muskegon ED; Chair Section, EM Mercy Health Muskegon; Medical Director, Muskegon County Medical Control Authority; Chair, Region 6 Trauma Network; and Board Member, Every Woman's Place.
Luke Aurner
Regional Coordinator
BS, Paramedic
Luke moved to Michigan to attend Davenport College for Paramedicine. He worked in EMS throughout Kent and Ottawa counties for 24 years before joining Region 6 as coordinator in 2019. He recently received his Bachelor's in Emergency Response and Risk Management from the University of Applied Research and Development
Tim Dickman
Assistant Coordinator
MS, Paramedic
Tim started his career in the early 1980s working in EMS. He has worked as a paramedic, field training supervisor, supervisor, quality improvement coordinator, instructor, and billing specialist. He received a Master's Degree in Information Systems in 2011, specializing in business.