UP Health System - Portage

11/20/2025

Our annual Turkey Trot returns Thursday, Nov. 27, at 9 a.m. We’ll meet in the front lobby of UP Health System–Portage in Hancock before heading out for a 5K run/walk, with free snacks waiting at the finish.

You don’t have to dress up like a turkey, but we won’t stop you if you do. 🦃

Register for free at the link below:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/turkey-trot-2025-tickets-1865330175769?aff=oddtdtcreator

11/18/2025

We recently recognized Margaret Aho, RN, with the DAISY Award for exceptional nurses.

Margaret is a part of our Emergency Department, a role that requires exceptional levels of care and compassion for others. Her award nomination came from a patient's family, after Margaret demonstrated her commitment to patient advocacy and safety.

Thank you, Margaret, for everything you do!

Stay current with the latest health and hospital news from our hospital.

11/17/2025

On the latest episode of WNMU-TV PBS’s “Ask the Doctors,” host Jennifer Dehlin, MD, was joined by Terry Kinzel, MD, Regan Schuhmacher, MSN, FNP-C, ACHPN and Stuart Johnson, DO to discuss Geriatric Health, Hospice and Palliative Care, covering everything from senior health and wellness to end-of-life planning and compassionate care.

The conversation provided valuable insight into caring for older adults, understanding hospice and palliative services and supporting patients and families through life’s later stages, bringing comfort and guidance to communities across the Upper Peninsula.

🎥 Watch the full episode: https://www.pbs.org/video/geriatric-health-hospice-and-palliative-care-ihlpsh/

11/13/2025

UP Health System - Portage (UPHS – Portage) earned an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit watchdog focused on patient safety. Leapfrog assigns an A, B, C, D or F grade to general hospitals across the country based on over 30 measures of errors, accidents, injuries and infections as well as the systems hospitals have in place to prevent them.

“I’m incredibly proud of our staff and providers whose dedication, compassion, and focus on safety drive everything we do,” said Ryan Heinonen, CEO of UPHS – Portage. “Earning an ‘A’ Safety Grade is a reflection of their tireless efforts to provide exceptional care and ensure the well-being of every patient who walks through our doors. This recognition underscores our continued commitment to excellence and our shared mission of making communities healthier.”

To explore UPHS – Portage’s full grade details and to find valuable tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit www.HospitalSafetyGrade.org.

Stay current with the latest health and hospital news from our hospital.

11/12/2025

🌍 Today is World Pneumonia Day.

Pneumonia is the world’s biggest infectious killer, claiming 2.5 million lives every year, including 672,000 children under five and countless older adults. It’s a serious lung infection caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, and while it can affect anyone, young children, seniors and those with weakened immune systems are most at risk.

The good news is that most pneumonia deaths are preventable. With vaccination, proper nutrition, clean air and access to timely healthcare, millions of lives can be saved.

If we act now to raise awareness and strengthen prevention, we can reduce pneumonia deaths and lower the risk of future respiratory pandemics.

💙 Learn more and find out how you can help: stoppneumonia.org
👩‍⚕️ Have questions about pneumonia or need a provider? Find one today: uphealthsystem.com

11/11/2025

At UP Health System, we pause today to honor and thank the veterans who have served our country with courage and dedication. Veterans Day is a time to recognize the strength, sacrifice and selflessness of those who have defended our freedoms, past and present.

We encourage everyone to take a moment to show gratitude, support the veterans in your life, attend a community event or simply reflect on the impact of their service.

To all who have worn the uniform, thank you. Your commitment and sacrifice inspire us every day.

11/06/2025

🍂 Fall is winding down, and winter is just around the corner… which means flu season is in full swing. Now is the perfect time to protect yourself!

Getting your flu shot not only lowers your chances of getting sick, it can also reduce the severity of symptoms if you do catch the flu. By getting vaccinated, you’re helping protect yourself, your family and the community around you.

💉 Don’t wait—schedule your flu shot today! Need a provider? Find one here: https://www.uphealthsystem.com/

Stay healthy, enjoy the season, and keep the flu at bay!

11/04/2025

Although it’s the 3rd most common form of cancer in the United States, more people die from lung cancer than any other type of cancer. A simple lung cancer screening can help determine the health of your lungs and detect cancer early—when treatment is most effective.

Low Dose Computed Tomography (LDCT) uses 90% less radiation than a standard CT scan and can detect lung cancer early, when it’s most treatable. Screening is recommended for adults at high risk who have no symptoms. Talk with your provider about your medical history, risks, and benefits.

Take our Lung Health Risk Assessment to learn more about your lung health and see if a screening may be right for you: https://uphealthsystem.com/health-risk-assessment/lung-health?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=16980_726Lng&utm_content=lcam

11/03/2025

We are aware of the large-scale power outage impacting the western Upper Peninsula. UP Health System - Portage remains open and ready to care for patients.

If you have a medical emergency, call 911. For urgent or non-emergency care, you can find the nearest emergency room or care location here: www.uphealthsystem.com/get-care-now.

Stay safe, keep flashlights and charged phones handy and check on neighbors who may need assistance.

10/31/2025

🎃 A Halloween Baby!
We’re celebrating the holiday with baby Jane, born Oct. 29—right on time to be our littlest trick-or-treater. 🧡

Pictured with Jane is Ashley Chamberlain, Certified Nurse Midwife at UP Health System – Portage.

Thank you to our Family Birthing Center team for helping make this Halloween unforgettable for Jane and her family.

10/31/2025

Tonight, we're opening up PortagePointe for a community Halloween event. This event is free to attend, and runs from 6pm-7:30pm. Trick-or-treaters are encouraged to go from house to house, as we spread the joy of Halloween to our community of elders. With it being indoors, it's a great opportunity to showcase your costumes without bundling up.