No matter how you and your family celebrate the season, we wish you the happiest and healthiest of holidays. May the coming days be filled not just with peace and joy but also time for acknowledging any personal victories or meaningful moments you've experienced.

At Munson, 2023 has been an incredible year of transformation – from expanded or enhanced services to all new ways of serving our communities. We’re immensely proud of our dedicated Health Care Team and their commitment to providing exceptional care for our communities. Our top “Munson Moments” this year include:

Being Named One of the Best Healthcare Systems in the Country

Celebrating Munson's Comprehensive Stroke Center Designation

Unveiling Plans for The Grand Traverse Mental Wellness Center

Offering 3D Mammography at All Munson Healthcare Screening Locations

Announcing Our Regional Care Transformation Plan

Finally, we take a moment to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the healthcare heroes who will be on staff for those who need care during the holidays. Please know that many of our convenient care services remain open throughout the holidays, such as Virtual Urgent Care and our free Ask-A-Nurse service. If you or a loved one experiences emergency symptoms, call 911 immediately or go to your nearest emergency department.

Munson Recognized as a Top 15 Health System

Earlier this month, Munson Healthcare was named one of the 15 Top Health Systems in the U.S. according to an independent quality analysis by PINC AI™, the technology and services brand of Premier, Inc. and reported by Fortune.

“Being recognized as one of the nation’s 15 Top Health Systems is a testament to our team’s tireless efforts, outstanding patient care, and commitment to excellence,” said Ed Ness, Munson Healthcare President and CEO. “This exceptional team has positively impacted the lives of the communities we serve and is the heart of Munson Healthcare.”

Munson Medical Center Receives Distinguished Stroke Center Certification

We are thrilled to announce that Munson Medical Center was recently certified by The Joint Commission as a Comprehensive Stroke Center, a designation reserved solely for hospitals with the ability to treat the most complex stroke cases.

Munson Medical Center joins just three percent of U.S. hospitals with this special designation and is the first-ever and only comprehensive stroke center in Northern Michigan.

The Holidays: Increased Risk for Heart Attack

Did you know that the week between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day sees the highest spike in deadly cardiac events? Specifically:

– More cardiac deaths occur on December 25 than on any other day of the year
– The second-highest number of cardiac deaths occurs on December 26
– The third largest number occurs on New Year’s Day

“Increased stress, alcohol consumption, and decreased exercise all contribute to an increased risk of heart attack during the holiday season. I recommend to my patients that they enjoy their holiday but remain engaged in their health,” says Dr. Joseph Gibbs, an interventional cardiologist at Munson’s Traverse Heart and Vascular. “I encourage continuing regular exercise, remaining regular with any prescribed medications, and promptly seeking medical evaluation if you develop any new symptoms.”

Congratulations to Our Voices for Youth Mental Health Contest Winners!

Thank you to everyone who participated in our second annual “Voices” contest. This year’s contest centered on our commitment to the growing youth mental health crisis, with the aim to raise public awareness, fight stigma, and give our communities a welcoming space to express themselves.

The outpouring of submissions, pledges, and votes we received is a powerful testament to the change we can inspire through awareness and collaboration. If you haven’t seen the incredible submissions, please join us in recognizing our participants, including our winners, by viewing their artwork.

In Case You Missed It...

 Managing Grief During the Holidays

 Munson Healthcare Names System Chief Nursing Officer

 Munson Healthcare Manistee Hospital Receives Level IV Trauma Designation

 Munson Healthcare Opens Foster Family Primary Care in Traverse City

 New Spine Rehabilitation Program Now in Roscommon

Upcoming Events at Munson Healthcare

Helmet Safety Clinics

Learn how to protect your young ones from winter injuries at one of our upcoming Helmet Safety Clinics – offered by the Munson Healthcare-sponsored Chill Out for Winter Safety program. The Winter Chill Out Team will be slopeside to share the top ways to protect your young ones from preventable winter sports injuries, including complimentary fittings to make sure your child has the best protection from head injuries. Need a helmet? Munson Healthcare will also be handing out free children’s helmets while supplies last.

Tues., Jan. 9 | 5:30 - 7:30 pm | Mt. Holiday 

Mon., Jan. 15 | 4:30 - 6:30 pm | The Delamar Hotel 

Sat., Jan. 20 | 10 am - 1 pm | Hickory Hills 

Sat., Jan. 27 | 10 am - 1 pm | Carly's Hill/Springfield Township Park (Fife Lake)