Where to Go for Thanksgiving "Urgent-cies"

From nose drips to knife slips, illness and injuries don't take holidays off. When life happens, even on Thanksgiving, we're thankful to be here for you and your family with three convenient options.

Munson Healthcare Virtual Urgent Care
Skip the trip with our virtual urgent care service – available to patients ages 3+ in Michigan or Florida. Reserve your spot online and be seen from your favorite screen for symptoms like sore throat, sinus pain, and more.

Munson Healthcare Walk-in or Urgent Care Clinics
If your turkey day takes a wrong turn, we've got you covered! Our open Walk-In/Urgent Care Clinics are available to treat minor cuts that may need stitches, flu symptoms, urinary tract infections, sprains and strains, and more. 

Not Sure? Ask a Nurse!
When you have symptoms or you're just not sure, our Ask-A-Nurse line connects you to a registered nurse for free. This award-winning service is open to all Michigan residents and their visitors, 24/7/365. Just call 231-935-0951 or click the button below to learn more.

For life-threatening emergencies (like heart attack symptoms, signs of stroke, or trouble breathing), don't hesitate: call 911 right away. 

Gratitude in Action: Building Healthier Communities

While our commitment to improving lives is a year-round effort, this Thanksgiving, we reflect on the gratitude we feel for the opportunity to serve you. As a non-profit organization, Munson Healthcare is ever focused on supporting and nurturing the health and wellbeing of our communities in unique ways that extend beyond traditional care. These commitments aim to expand access, prevent and manage chronic disease, and more.

“As we reflect on our commitment to our communities, I am excited to share our annual Community Commitment Report. Each statistic represents more than just a number; they weave together compelling stories that underscore our steadfast dedication to enhancing and empowering the wellbeing of everyone who lives in or visits Northern Michigan." — Ed Ness, President & CEO, Munson Healthcare

Discover more about our financial support, programs, and educational efforts below.

Transformative Gift Enhances Cancer Diagnostics and Care at Munson

Munson Healthcare is thrilled to announce a generous $5.2 million philanthropic gift from the estate of longtime Traverse City resident, Patricia Heffron, that is supporting cancer patients through research, advanced technology, and financial support for patients. A portion of Heffron’s generous donation will also help fund our new ION Robot Surgical Assistant – a leading-edge tool in minimally invasive lung cancer diagnostics and treatment that can improve patient outcomes significantly. This gift represents the third largest in Munson’s history and serves as a fitting tribute to her memory.

“Patricia hoped the future would bring better diagnostic and treatment capabilities in cancer. She wanted to ensure that patients received support for their journey through cancer,” said friend and neighbor, David Gordon, MD, retired Chief of Cancer Services for Munson Healthcare and Clinical Director of the Cowell Family Cancer Center. “We are forever grateful for her gifts and hope her largesse will improve cancer care in the future.”

Nourishing Change: Patients Reap the Benefits of our Fruit and Vegetable RX Program

Our Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Program recently wrapped up another successful season! This interactive program helps patients discover simple and delicious ways to incorporate more fruits and veggies into their diets through cooking demos, tastings, and tokens to redeem for fresh produce at local farmers markets.

We learned to incorporate more vegetables and fruits into our diet by having these awesome recipes that were offered in the class. Thank you for the information and the tokens to purchase the fruits and veggies. We have been walking much more the last few months. My husband and I have gotten our A1C lowered through this class. My whole family has really enjoyed the recipes. They want me to keep making more. — Diane B.

Munson is proud to partner with Michigan State Extension to offer this unique program, alongside Traverse Health Clinic and Northwest Michigan Health Services, Inc. Since 2016, we've served over 1,500 people and look forward to many more amazing seasons to come.

Primary Care Pioneer David Klee, MD, Is Committed to Service

“I am committed to treating my patients with dignity and respect while prioritizing their wellbeing – and that includes the unhoused populations we provide medical care to thanks to our Street Medicine program in collaboration with Traverse Health Clinic and Goodwill Northern Michigan among others. I feel privileged to be a part of this vital program, which was recently awarded the prestigious American Hospital Association NOVA award. This recognition represents Munson’s commitment to not only care for the people of Northern Michigan, but to continually work with community partners to improve the lives of all within our region."

Dr. Klee also serves as the Associate Program Director for our Munson Family Medicine Residency Program and a Michigan State University Community Assistant Dean. Learn more about his passion for helping patients and training the healthcare leaders of tomorrow.

Meet some of our dedicated Diabetes Educators (pictured left to right): Melissa Krajnik, RDN, CDCES; Jennie Mueller, MBS; Michele Pupel, RN, CDCES; Elizabeth Mitchell, BSN, RN-BC, CDCES; Melissa Goodchild, RDN, CDCES; Vickie Alexander, RN, CDCES

Your Partner in Diabetes Prevention and Management

November is American Diabetes Month. Education is critical for both preventing and managing this chronic disease that impacts millions of Americans each year – and our Diabetes Educators across Northern Michigan are here to do just that. If you’re living with diabetes or prediabetes, check out our classes, connect with a Diabetes Education Specialist, and find helpful tips.

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Upcoming Events at Munson Healthcare

Free Movie Screening Event in Honor of World AIDS Day

In honor of World AIDS Day, our Thomas Judd Care Center invites you to join us for a free screening of the musical fantasy film Wicked on Sunday, December 1st, at 2 pm at the AMC Cherry Blossom 14 Theatre in Traverse City. Enjoy complimentary concessions and a brief discussion on the importance of HIV testing and prevention. No RSVP needed... just come early to grab your seat! 

Sun., Dec. 1 | 2 pm | AMC Cherry Blossom 14 Theatre 

Advance Care Planning Workshops

Do your loved ones know your care preferences if a medical emergency leaves you unable to communicate? Register for a free upcoming workshop to learn what advance care planning includes and how to choose the best advocates.

Tues., Dec. 3 | 10 am - Noon | Munson Healthcare Grayling Hospital | Register Here