Julie Ward is a dedicated and respected health professional who has committed her life’s work to serving the Detroit, Michigan community with compassion, knowledge, and integrity. A proud graduate of Wayne State University, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1992 and has since provided holistic care in a wide range of healthcare settings, including hospitals, hospice, nursing homes, and psychiatric care facilities.
As a trained Forensic Nurse, and Certified Mental Health Professional, Nurse Ward has led support groups for individuals living with substance use disorders and survivors of sexual abuse. Her clinical expertise is matched by her commitment to nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals. From 1994 to 2002, she served as a preceptor for nursing students from Wayne State University and the University of Michigan, guiding their community psychiatric clinic rotations at New Center Community Mental Health Services (NCCMHS).
Nurse Ward’s career has also included leadership and trainer roles in several prominent health systems such as Henry Ford Hospital, Beaumont Health, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. Her belief in the power of education and preventative care led her to become a certified Wholistic Health, Exercise, Nutrition & Wellness Counselor. She is passionate about equipping individuals and families with the tools needed to live healthier, more balanced lives.
Her dedication to community wellness inspired the creation of Detroit Connect 2 Care (DC2C)—a flexible, no-cost health education program offering CPR/First Aid certification and other vital health topics to Detroit residents. In addition to her healthcare contributions, Nurse Ward is a published author. Her book “Taking Care of Your Temple” provides readers with a practical and inspiring guide to caring for the mind, body, and spirit. She also co-authored the children’s book “Music in the Hallway” with her late daughter—a touching story that helps children navigate the emotions of having a loved one in the hospital.
In 2020, she co-founded Connections2Life, a non-profit Agency dedicated to providing community members with education in financial literacy, wellness, and essential life skills. She also founded JW Health Education Services Inc., a collaborative wellness network of health professionals and consultants.
Today, Nurse Ward continues to support community health as a Continuing Education Nurse Consultant for the Michigan Breastfeeding Network, where she applies her research and teaching expertise to promote maternal and infant wellness.