Munson Healthcare

02/18/2026

Explore powerful submissions from across Northern Michigan—artwork that celebrates nourishment, connection, and the everyday ways we care for one another.

Browse the gallery and vote for the piece that speaks to you by February 25. Your vote helps decide which artists will direct a $1,000 donation to a local food pantry in their community.

Take the pledge to support food access—a commitment to nourish and uplift our neighbors. When you do, you’ll gain access to a comprehensive listing of food resources available across the region, so you can share help where it’s needed most.

https://foodaccess.voicesforcommunityhealth.org/gallery/

02/17/2026

The 2026 Betsie Bay Frozen 5k wasn’t so frozen this year—and we loved it!

Runners kicked off the race with sunshine, blue skies, and stunning Lake Michigan views at the starting line. It’s hard to beat a February morning like that in Frankfort!

Whether you were racing, cheering, or strolling through one of Northern Michigan’s most beautiful and historic towns afterward, this year’s event was one to remember.

Munson Healthcare was proud to be a Silver Sponsor of this year’s race, supporting the Benzie Area Youth Initiative. And if you love great views and even better vibes, go ahead and mark your calendar for the 2027 Frozen 5K—you won’t want to miss it!

02/16/2026

Munson Healthcare’s Elk Rapids Specialty Clinic is now open—offering expert neurology, neurosurgery, and rheumatology care. For your convenience, lab services are also available.

Learn more about the specialty clinic at https://www.munsonhealthcare.org/locations/munson-healthcare-elk-rapids-specialty-clinic.

02/14/2026

Some love stories stay behind the scenes. George and Tracey live their commitment to each other and their community in the halls of Munson Medical Center.

More than a decade ago, George, BSN, RN, and Tracey, Medical Laboratory Scientist (ASCP), felt an instant connection. Married since 2015, they have built a life rooted in trust, sacrifice, and a shared calling to care for others.

At Munson Medical Center, they have spent countless days and nights supporting patients and teammates. At home, they have built a family of five and a legacy of resilience and compassion.

On this Valentine’s Day, we celebrate a love that mirrors the very spirit of Munson Healthcare—steady, selfless, and rooted in service. A love story that proves that sometimes the strongest bonds are forged not only in romance, but in a shared mission. George and Tracey: Committed to each other; committed to Munson; committed to you.

Read their full story here: https://www.munsonhealthcare.org/blog/committed-hearts-george-and-tracey

02/12/2026

10,000 hours is a long time — about one full year, plus one month and about 24 days, in fact. And that’s just how many hours Betty Plough has spent volunteering throughout Munson Healthcare, including at Munson Manor, ARTC and the MMC Emergency Department.

At exactly 4 pm on Feb. 3, Betty reached her 10,000th volunteer hour, and her team honored her dedication with a party. Several staff, providers, leaders, fellow volunteers, family and friends helped congratulate Betty on an amazing achievement, including Patient Experience and Volunteer Manager Tiffany Likar.

“Betty has given her time, heart, and kindness to MHC. She has touched thousands of lives with her steady presence and unwavering compassion,” Tiffany said. “Reaching 10,000 volunteer hours is an extraordinary achievement — one that reflects her deep commitment to caring for others and making our community stronger every single day.”

02/11/2026

It’s heart month—and we have some great news if your cardiovascular health needs a boost, but you struggle to find time, get motivated, or maintain stamina.

Learn how to “snack” your way to heart health, with expert weigh-in from Traverse Heart & Vascular cardiologist Anthony McClafferty, MD. https://www.munsonhealthcare.org/blog/mini-workouts

02/09/2026

🥕🍇 Last Call! Submit by February 11 for the chance to win $1,000 for your community food pantry 🍅🥦

Northern Michigan communities thrive when everyone has access to healthy, nutritious food. That’s why we’re inviting you to share your creativity in our Food Access Art Contest—because art can tell the story of care, tradition, and resilience.

Carrie Klingelsmith, Executive Director of The Manna Food Project—which distributes more than one million pounds of food annually—reminds us:

“Food access means having reliable access to healthy, nutritious food that supports families and communities.”

Your artwork can help raise awareness of food insecurity and support local pantries. The first 75 submissions receive a $50 fruit & veggie gift card (to use or gift to someone in need) plus a ticket to the Northwest Food Coalition Empty Bowls event. Winners in three age categories will each direct $1,000 to a local food pantry!

🔗 Submit your story today: https://foodaccess.voicesforcommunityhealth.org/

02/08/2026

🥕🍇 Last Call! Submit by February 11 for the chance to win $1,000 for your community food pantry 🍅🥦

Northern Michigan communities thrive when everyone has access to healthy, nutritious food. That’s why we’re inviting you to share your creativity in our Food Access Art Contest—because art can tell the story of care, tradition, and resilience.

Carrie Klingelsmith, Executive Director of Food Project—which distributes more than one million pounds of food annually—reminds us:

“Food access means having reliable access to healthy, nutritious food that supports families and communities.”

Your artwork can help raise awareness of food insecurity and support local pantries. The first 75 submissions receive a $50 fruit & veggie gift card (to use or gift to someone in need) plus a ticket to the Empty Bowls event. Winners in three age categories will each direct $1,000 to a local food pantry!

🔗 Submit your story today: Foodaccess.voicesforcommunityhealth.org

02/05/2026

Know someone exploring a career in medicine? Michigan State University College of Human Medicine is now accepting applications for its Rural Premedical Internship Program. This flexible, self-directed experience is designed for premedical students interested in rural healthcare. Running May 20 – Oct. 15, the program offers exposure to rural medicine and activities that help strengthen medical school applications and interview skills. To learn more and apply by March 6, visit https://msururalhealth.chm.msu.edu/pipeline-program/index.html.

Did you know? Munson Healthcare serves as a robust teaching location for residents, interns, medical students and nursing students. We partner with Michigan State University, Northwestern Michigan College, and other academic centers to expertly train the next generation of clinicians. Munson Medical Center hosts 3rd- and 4th-year medical students from MSU’s College of Human Medicine and MSU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine for training, as well as medical students from other institutions. MHC also hosts a Family Medicine Residency program that trains resident physicians from both allopathic (MD) and osteopathic (DO) medical disciplines and supports 3rd- and 4th-year Pine Rest Psychiatry residents.

🌟 Exciting News from Michigan State University College of Human Medicine! 🌟

We are thrilled to announce that applications for the **2026 Rural Premedical Internship Program** are now open! This is a fantastic opportunity for aspiring medical professionals to gain invaluable experience in rural medicine.

Ready to take the next step in your journey? Click the link in our bio to apply today! 📝✨

02/04/2026

As a cardiologist, I have a unique relationship with my patients. I often first meet them during a life-saving intervention and then have the privilege of getting to know them as they heal and grow stronger during their follow-up and continued care. In that sense, we’re able to make a meaningful difference in their lives, both immediate and long-term. It’s incredible to care for them on that journey. I treat hearts from the heart, which means taking time to listen, making sure patients feel seen and heard, and ensuring they understand their options so they can ultimately return to the activities and lifestyle they want.

When a patient comes to our clinics, they aren’t just seeing me—they're being cared for by a team of experts across cardiac subspecialties and cardiac care delivery. We work together to provide the best experience and outcome for each patient.

Get to know Dr. Howe and read more at: https://www.munsonhealthcare.org/about-the-system/commitment-stories

02/03/2026

February is Heart Month!

Kickstart your heart health with a FREE day pass to Manistee Health & Fitness — no strings attached!

Scan the QR code in the graphic or visit: https://www.munsonhealthcare.org/services/fitness/manistee-health-fitness-center/manistee-heart-month

Plus, join our 4 week Heart Health Series all month long:

Feb 1–7: Heart Disease Risk Factors
Feb 8–14: Exercise for Heart Health
Feb 15–21: Stress, Sleep & Heart Health
Feb 22–28: Women & Heart Disease

Small steps. Big impact. Stronger heart.

02/02/2026

Inspiring the Next Generation of Healthcare Professionals

Heather Bluhm, PharmD, recently visited Manistee Area Public Schools as part of the Career Lecture Series sponsored by the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce, giving high school juniors an inside look at the exciting world of pharmacy.

Heather walked students through the many paths within the profession, highlighting the vital roles pharmacists and pharmacy technicians play and demystifying the education and training required to get there.

To keep things lively, she led a round of pharmacy trivia, during which students learned fun facts, like how Coca‑Cola, Dr Pepper, and ginger ale were all invented by pharmacists!

The session wrapped with honest conversations about work–life balance, daily responsibilities, and what it’s really like to work in different pharmacy settings.

A big thank‑you to Heather for inspiring future healthcare leaders and bringing her expertise to the classroom!