Media Releases

Rehabilitation services at PortagePointe have recently been improved because of a strengthened partnership between PortagePointe and Portage Health Rehab. The rehab team designed a specialty gym inside of the Pewabic House, which makes rehabilitation more convenient for PortagePointe elders.

“We have always provided services to PortagePointe elders,” said Mark Randell, director of rehab at Portage Health. “This addition increases our emphasis on providing rehabilitations services right in their home.”

The rehab room includes exercise equipment and treatment tables. It also adds the capabilities for therapists to work hand-in-hand with elders, and their usual caretakers in a comfortable and convenient location.

“The on-site gym has truly enhanced the rehabilitative services we’re able to provide at PortagePointe,” Randell said.

For PortagePointe elders, it has meant a more comfortable place to regain their strength and function.

“Many of our elders prefer the privacy and location of the new gym,” said Elaine Archambeau. “Since the gym has been installed, we have seen an increased satisfaction in the elders going home after rehab. It’s been a very positive addition to our facility.”

Find out more about PortagePointe online at portagehealth.org/portagepointe, and see a full list of rehab providers and services at portagehealth.org/rehab.

The visitor restriction at PortagePointe has been lifted.

While visitors are now allowed at PortagePointe, there are still restrictions in the Family Birthing Center and Dialysis Center. Visit portagehealth.org/visitorrestriction for the latest updates.

Potential partnership will help strengthen healthcare delivery in the Western Upper Peninsula 

Hancock, Michigan (February 28, 2013) – The Portage Health Board of Directors today announced it has signed a letter of intent to form a joint venture with LifePoint Hospitals®. The proposed partnership will provide Portage Health with additional resources to expand the healthcare services provided in its communities and invest further in the growth of the hospital.

The letter of intent is a non-binding agreement that authorizes Portage Health and LifePoint to move forward with pursuing the proposed joint venture. Following due diligence and a negotiation process, which is projected to take 60 to 90 days, the parties would enter into a definitive agreement. The agreement would then be subject to review by of the Attorney General of Michigan before being finalized.

“We selected LifePoint as a partner because of its commitment to physicians, employees, and community,” said Steve Zutter, chairman of the Portage Health board. “As part of this joint venture, Portage Health would share ownership and governance of our system while benefiting from financial resources, clinical and quality programs, and management expertise of one of the leading hospital companies in the nation. Together with LifePoint, we have a great opportunity to enhance the outstanding, innovative care provided throughout the Western Upper Peninsula.”

Under the terms of the proposed partnership, Portage Health and LifePoint would share ownership and governance of the hospital. Portage Health and LifePoint would share ownership of the hospital, with LifePoint obtaining the majority ownership interest. Governance would be equally shared between Portage Health and LifePoint, giving the community a long-term voice in the strategic direction of the hospital. The retained assets of Portage Health and the proceeds from the transaction would be used to create a locally-governed charitable foundation that would fund organizations that support crucial community needs.

“Portage Health is known for its quality service, commitment to patients and dedication to its communities. We are delighted at the prospect of partnering with Portage,” said LifePoint Chairman and Chief Executive Officer William F. Carpenter III. “We look forward to working with the Portage board, management, employees and medical staff to explore new ways to expand and enhance healthcare services in the Western U.P. and strengthen the healthcare delivery system throughout the region.”

LifePoint is a leading hospital company focused on providing quality healthcare close to home. The joint venture with Portage Health will expand LifePoint’s presence in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. In September 2012, Duke LifePoint Healthcare, the innovative joint venture partnership between LifePoint and Duke University Health System, acquired Marquette General Health System in Marquette.

“LifePoint has shown a tremendous commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery in the U.P. and partnering with providers to enhance the services we provide and ensure patients have access to the care they need and deserve locally,” said Jim Bogan, Portage Health President and CEO. “We are eager to explore this joint venture further and more closely examine the benefits it can offer our hospital and the future of healthcare in our communities.”

About Portage Health 

Portage Health’s mission is to improve the health of the community by providing high quality, safe and compassionate healthcare. Portage Health owns and operates a 36-bed acute-care hospital and a 60-bed skilled nursing unit and related health care services in Hancock-Houghton, Michigan, along with nine other locations throughout the Copper Country, each offering a variety of services provided by a full spectrum of healthcare professionals. More information about Portage Health can be found at www.portagehealth.org. 

PDF of Press Release 

Visit portagehealth.org/lifepoint for the latest updates.

HANCOCK – February is American Heart Month, and Portage Health is helping you focus on your heart this month by hosting Heart Health by the Numbers. The program helps introduce people to the serious issues of heart disease by offering free screenings and a presentation by a board-certified cardiologist.

“It’s amazing what small things you can do in your life to help you live with a healthier heart,” said Angela Luskin, community health coordinator at Portage Health. “We want everyone to be empowered to make improvements in their life, and this program will provide the information people need to get started.”

It all starts with free screenings, including cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, blood glucose and much more. These will be done at Portage Health’s main campus in Hancock. The screenings will be on Feb. 14 and 15 from 7 to 10 a.m.

While the screenings are free, an appointment is required. Call Angela Luskin at (906) 483-1153 to reserve your time slot.

“In past years all the slots have been filled very quickly,” said Luskin. “If you want to make sure you get these screenings, I’d call right away.”

On Wednesday, Feb. 20 Portage Health and Dr. Thomas LeGalley, founder of Upper Michigan Cardiovascular Associates, will host a presentation at the Houghton High School auditorium.

“Dr. LeGalley is highly respected by his peers,” Luskin said. “This presentation will be packed with information everyone should know about their heart health.”

The presentation will begin at 5:30 p.m. Prior to the presentation, results from the screenings will be made available. Those who did the screenings are asked to arrive around 5 p.m. to receive their results. The presentation is open to anyone interested.

Learn more about heart health and the Heart Health by the Numbers program at portagehealth.org/hhbn.

A team of cancer survivors from the Copper Country have coordinated with Portage Health and Aspirus Keweenaw to begin a support group for women.

"Cancer can be one of the most stressful experiences a women has to face," said Anita Quinn, one of the survivors who has pioneered this support group. "A support group can help to cope with the emotional aspects of cancer by providing a place to share experiences and learn from others who are facing similar situations."

This group is for any women in the four-county area living with a cancer, newly diagnosed, in treatment or a long-term survivor. Attendees of support groups will receive many benefits from interacting with others who have been through, or are going through the same thing. The support group will provide a place to laugh a little, and share or learn about resources and tips.

"The vision is to provide a safe place to help women manage their feelings, fears, and sadness," said Angie Van Tassel, another survivor who has helped form the group. "This is simply an opportunity to learn from other women who have been on this journey."

Meetings will be held on the final Wednesday of every month at 7 p.m., alternating between Portage Health in Hancock and Aspirus Keweenaw in Laurium. The first meeting is Jan. 30 at the Portage Health Conference Center in Hancock from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The topic of this initial meeting is "Just Get Me Through This!".

For more information contact either Angie at 482-8221 or Anita at 492-9675.

HANCOCK – Due to high occurrences of respiratory illness in the area, PortagePointe is restricting visitors.

Designated guests with no signs of illness will be allowed to visit. PortagePointe staff is contacting representatives of elders with more information.

“While we recognize the inconvenience this temporary change in policy may have, the change is effective immediately,” said Elaine Archambeau, head coach at PortagePointe. "This restriction is being put in place to protect the health of PortagePointe elders."

Visit portagehealth.org/VisitorRestriction for updates as they become available.

HANCOCK – Portage Health is continually looking to improve the health of our community. In these efforts Portage Health offers a bereavement support group and a caregiver support group. The schedule for these support groups for the first half of 2013 has been finalized.

“The bereavement support group provides a safe and supportive space where an individual can share, be supported and cared for as they learn to live without their loved one,” said Carol Olsen, medical social worker with Portage Health Home Care.

The bereavement group meets on the first Wednesday of every month at 4 p.m. at the Portage Health Home Care office on Water Street in Hancock. The caregiver support group meets at 1:30 p.m. on the third Wednesday of every month, at The Bluffs.

“The caregiver support group provides a safe and supportive place to share feelings, frustrations and concerns,” said Olsen.

All support groups are free and open to anyone. No reservations are needed. A schedule for the first six months of 2013 is below. Additional information, and a full schedule can always be found at portagehealth.org/supportgroups.

Bereavement Support Groups (first Wednesday, 4 p.m.) 

• January 2nd – 4 p.m.
• February 6th – 4 p.m.
• March 6th – 4 p.m.
• April 3rd – 4 p.m.
• May 1st – 4 p.m.
• June 5th – 4 p.m.

Caregiver Support Groups (third Wednesday, 1:30 p.m.) 

• January 16 – 1:30 p.m.
• February 20 – 1:30 p.m.
• March 20 – 1:30 p.m.
• April 17 – 1:30 p.m.
• May 15 – 1:30 p.m.
• June 19 – 1:30 p.m.

During the Holiday season additional bereavement support group meetings are taking place each Thursday through Jan. 3. Meetings are at 10:30 a.m. at the Kangas Café. See our press release about the added sessions for more information.