At Munson, our commitment to our communities runs deep. When we talk about being committed to our communities, the call to serve spans beyond our emergency and operating rooms, doctors’ offices, and specialty clinics. As a non-profit organization, we reinvest in our communities to serve and empower the health and well-being of everyone who lives in Northern Michigan, including:
- People with little to no access to healthcare services
- People living with mental health and substance use disorders
- Historically marginalized groups due to race, sexual orientation, physical disability, or age
- Those who are under-insured or uninsured
- New parents and families with young children needing support
- Population health needs, such as chronic disease and injury prevention
Non-Profit, Pro-Giving Back
Helping people become and stay healthy through expanded access is the goal of our many community-wide efforts, partnerships, and initiatives. Everybody benefits from healthier, more resilient communities. Some of the programs we proudly lead, fund, and/or support in collaboration with community partners include:
Street Medicine Program. Together with Traverse Health Clinic and Goodwill Northern Michigan, Munson staff provide free medical services for those who are unhoused. Earlier this year, Munson Healthcare announced a $300,000 commitment over two years to expand the program serving those experiencing homelessness and caring for them wherever they are at – local shelters, in the woods or in our neighborhoods. The program was awarded a NOVA award this spring by the American Hospital Association, one of only five awards given away annually for innovative ways health systems are collaborating to improve the health of their communities.
Ask-A-Nurse. This phone-based nurse triage program offers free, easy, and convenient access to a Munson Registered Nurse, 24/7, 365 days a year. Our nurse experts answer health-related questions, triage illness and injury, and provide self-care guidance.
Healthy Futures. Expecting and new parents – as well as families with young children ages 5 and under – can lean on our free family support program, offered in partnership with local health departments. Available to everyone in Northern Michigan, Healthy Futures connects families to helpful resources, including home visits to help with breastfeeding and infant safety, support for postpartum depression, tips for reaching critical milestones, and much more.
Chill Out for Winter Safety. Munson Healthcare also supports Chill Out for Winter Safety annually, a program targeted at providing children with a helmet before they partake in winter activities like sledding to prevent serious head injuries.
Voices for Community Health. Launched in 2021, our annual “Voices” Art contest provides a unique way for people of all ages to express their thoughts and feelings while raising awareness on pressing community health topics like Youth Mental Health.
Learn more about all the ways we are committed to our communities by visiting munsonhealthcare.org/communitycommitment
Are you considering a new job or career change where you can make a difference, too? Munson Healthcare is accepting applications for a variety of roles including entry-level, experienced, clinical, and behind the scenes. Find your match at Munson.
Written by Megan Brown. Born at Munson Medical Center and raised in Traverse City, she is the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer for Munson Healthcare leading all marketing, communications, community health and engagement programs.
