McKenzie Health System's Peace of Mind Clinic Receives Statewide Community Benefit Award

Brandy Trepkowski, MSN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and 

Rhea Merriman, CMAA, RMA, CHW, Medical Assistant and Community Healthcare Worker

McKenzie Health System has been recognized by the Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA) with a 2026 Ludwig Community Benefit Award for its Peace of Mind Clinic, a program that has significantly expanded access to behavioral health services in rural Sanilac County.

The Ludwig Community Benefit Award, presented annually by the MHA, honors hospitals and health systems that demonstrate exceptional commitment to improving the health and well-being of their communities through collaborative and innovative programs. Named in memory of former MHA President Patric E. Ludwig, the award recognizes organizations making meaningful investments in community health beyond traditional healthcare services.

McKenzie Health System launched the Peace of Mind Clinic in October 2024 to address a critical need for behavioral health services in the region, where access to psychiatric care had historically been limited. Led by Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Brandy Trepkowski, PMHNP-BC, in collaboration with Dr. John Mitchell, Board Certified Psychiatrist, the clinic provides psychiatric evaluations and medication management services for patients of all ages experiencing conditions such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and other mental health concerns.

Since opening, the clinic has provided care to hundreds of patients from more than 40 rural communities, helping residents access behavioral healthcare close to home while reducing barriers such as travel time and limited provider availability.

"We are incredibly honored to receive this recognition from the Michigan Health & Hospital Association," said Billi Jo Hennika, COO of McKenzie Health System. "The Peace of Mind Clinic represents our commitment to ensuring that rural communities have access to the same high-quality behavioral healthcare services available in larger urban areas. Mental health is an essential component of overall health, and we are proud to help fill a critical need in our region."

The Peace of Mind Clinic was developed through strategic investment in McKenzie's workforce and close collaboration with community mental health partners to ensure services complemented, rather than duplicated, existing resources. Early outcomes have demonstrated strong patient engagement and a reduction in hospital encounters related to behavioral health conditions.

"Access to mental healthcare can be life-changing, particularly in rural communities where resources are often limited," added Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Brandy Trepkowski. "This recognition belongs not only to our team, but also to the community partners who helped make this vision a reality and to the patients who trusted us with their care."

As part of the award, McKenzie Health System will receive a $5,000 grant from the MHA Health Foundation to reinvest in the Peace of Mind Clinic and continue expanding access to behavioral healthcare services in the Thumb region.

The MHA presented the 2026 Ludwig Community Benefit Awards during its Annual Membership Meeting on June 25. McKenzie Health System was recognized alongside Covenant HealthCare in Saginaw and Munson Medical Center in Traverse City.

For more information about the Peace of Mind Clinic and behavioral health services available through McKenzie Health System, visit mckenziehealth.org or call (810) 648-0583.