Lou Martin -
He Can Relate
by Bernie Fratto
June 2004
 

If you’ve ever been watching the evening news, and found yourself engrossed in an interesting, detailed feature report on pertinent medical information… you probably have Lou Martin to thank for much of the content. As the Director of Public Relations for the St. John Health Network, the scope of Lou Martin’s responsibility is significant, and it’s impact on the quality of our lives is well documented. 

To know Lou Martin is to know an affable, friendly man, and his ability to interact with multiple people on a daily basis is just one of the many dimensions he brings to his profession. The St. John Health Network is a very substantial organization, and it encompasses several hospitals and community-based health care services, making it one of the most sizable in the nation. 

As one of the largest employers in Metro Detroit, it’s family of medical entities includes St. John Hospital and Medical Center, St. John Detroit Riverview Hospital in Wayne County, St. John North Shores Hospital and St. John Macomb Hospital in Macomb County, St. John Oakland Hospital, Providence Hospital and Medical Centers in Oakland County; as well as St. John River District Hospital in St. Clair County and Brighton Hospital in Livingston County. 

Providing care for cancer, inpatient services, cardiovascular, obstetrics and rehabilitation are just some of the things this massive network, and team of health professionals do for Michigan residents. 

Their Mission is virtuous…”We are committed to providing spiritually centered, holistic care, which sustains and improves the health of individuals in the communities we serve, with special attention to the poor and vulnerable,” Martin stated. 

“My role carries a wide variety that includes community relationships to media relations, crisis management, sponsorship of events, and of course providing accurate and timely information to executives.” 

A typical week keeps Lou Martin extremely busy. He’ll field multiple requests from the Local Media Networks, including Channels 2,4, and 7. The information and stories entail, “Doctor’s opinions on procedures, medications, new ways of thinking and the latest perspectives on all facets of health, medicine, and science.” 

From patient perspectives to Physician’s advice, Lou Martin is committed to being the conduit between the Hospitals, Medical profession and it’s staff….and to the grateful public that clamors to know the latest. “It’s very fast paced around here, “ Martin noted, “ and there’s lots of breaking news.” 

Lou Martin is a Michigan native, having graduated from High School in Dearborn Hts., as well as earning degrees from Northwood University in Marketing/Management, while maintaining a minor in Sociology. 

He is also inextricably linked with the City of Novi. From 1995-2000, he was Director of Public Relations for the city, and forged many relationships with current staff, as well as residents. And he is of course, a resident of Novi. Looking forward, he has much good news to share and is particularly enthusiastic about the progress that is being made in his profession. 

“In the areas of oncology and cardiology, there is amazing new research on the horizon,” he pointed out. And of course the scope of services extends to Brighton as well, as they house one of the finest Drug and Alcohol rehab facilities in the state of Michigan. 

Lou also serves the City of Novi with honor and distinction in the Lions Club and the Bob Stech Adult Education Center. But it is with special pride that he shares the various programs from which our youth benefit.  His efforts help oversee scholarship programs made available to Novi students that desire to enter the medical field. 

In addition Lou Martin has been active in “before and after” school programs enabling children from single parent homes the same opportunities for education. Adding to that, his group purchased 2 Vans for the Meadowbrook Common Senior Center, to ease their transportation challenges. 

A sensitivity to the holistic well-being of the community and the qualify of life for it’s citizens is something that Lou Martin places at a high premium. 

And at the end of the day, Lou Martin is truly humbled and appreciative to lend his expertise, and to show his gratitude to be a part of a City that is destined to become a crown jewel. 

“I’ve been fortunate as a resident of Novi, to be a part of the City Government, Large Business, and Civic involvement (Martin was the Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce in 2003), and I’ve seen Novi from a lot of angles and great perspectives.” 

“And it’s great to be a part of such a wonderful opportunity, here in Novi, Michigan, “ Martin beamed. 

And, as they say in Texas Lou………..right back ‘atcha!