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Access News Archive
***2010 News***
Scenes from the 2010 UPHAC Fall Conference & Legislative Breakfast: Speakers Kevin Piggott and Chris Mitchell addressed the future of health care reform and how it would affect U.P. residents. Local legislators and political candidates had a chance to speak with coalition members and medical professionals and learn about their work. 9th Annual U.P. Health Access Coalition Fall Conference Conference & Legislative Breakfast Oct. 1 Focuses on What Lies Ahead for ESCANABA – This fall’s U.P. Health Access Coalition access-to-care conference Oct. 1 is focused on helping health care providers, partner organizations and the public learn what to expect in the coming year as provisions of the federal health care reform act are rolled out. The conference will explore how medical care and coverage for the uninsured in the Upper Peninsula are expected to be affected. Kicking off the annual conference, entitled “Players, Partners, Policies and Patients: On the Road to Health Care Reform,” will be an 8 a.m. (EDT) Legislative Breakfast at the Island Resort Conference Center in Harris, west of Escanaba. Current lawmakers who have worked on behalf of the uninsured and candidates for office in the November election have been invited to participate with the access-to-care community. Featured speakers for the morning will include Chris Mitchell of Lansing, government relations manager for the Michigan Health and Hospital Association; and Kevin Piggott, MD, medical director for the Marquette County Health Department. The $40 conference registration fee includes the Legislative Breakfast, featured speaker presentations and a conference-concluding lunch. Registrations are due by Monday, Sept. 27, 2010. Registration information is available from the UPHAC office in Escanaba at 906.233.0210 or by e-mail at uphac@uphealthaccess.org . The conference is open to the public and is held in cooperation with five local access coalitions that serve uninsured adult residents of all 15 Upper Peninsula counties. Representatives of access coalitions, hospital administrators and other service providers from the health care community of the U.P. will participate, along with residents who have benefitted from access coalition services. Local access coalition staff and board members will attend from:
Doors open at 7:45 a.m. (EDT). A limited number of overnight rooms, under the “U.P. Health Access” block, are available for Sept. 30 at the Evergreen Inn, one-half mile from the conference center. Make reservations today by calling the hotel at 906.466.4000 or 800.387.9770. MAC & UPHAC Head to the Fair
Representatives from Medical Access Coalition (MAC) of Delta and Menominee Counties and Upper Peninsula Health Access Coalition attended the U.P. State Fair's Ladies Day Wellness Fair on August 19. Besides handing out nearly 500 bottles of water to thirsty fairgoers, they also provided information on local access coalitions and health care reform. Manning the booth were MAC Program Director Mary Williams, MAC Volunteer Development Specialist/VISTA Deb Callouette, UPHAC Program Coordinator Nancy Mathews, and UPHAC Assistant Program Coordinator/VISTA Nicole Gearhart.
Top photo: UPHAC Executive Director Benji Wood (far left), stands with the 2010 Hero Award winners. Bottom photos: Award winners (left to right): Emerald City Dental Center employees Amy McBurney and Barb Wood, Catherine Kroll, Dr. Richard Imm receiving award for Matthew Bixby, Lynn Kihm, and Jon and Jenny Webb of Downtown Eye Care. UP Health Access Coalition Honors 5 ‘Hero for the Uninsured’ Awardees Five exemplary health care and service providers from across Upper Michigan will be honored May 6 for their contributions in assisting uninsured Upper Peninsula residents. They will receive 2010 “Hero for the Uninsured” Awards at an evening recognition dinner at Upfront & Company in Marquette, sponsored by the Upper Peninsula Health Access Coalition in cooperation with Access Coalitions and hospitals from across the U.P. “UPHAC is pleased to again recognize special people and organizations in 2010 for extending exceptional assistance to uninsured residents of their communities,” said Bill Reid, UPHAC board president. “These ‘Hero for the Uninsured’ awardees represent hundreds of others who partner with the Local Access Coalitions of the U.P. to selflessly respond to needs of families, friends and neighbors without health care coverage.” This year’s “Hero for the Uninsured” Awardees are:
A total of 13 citizens, community programs and health care organizations were nominated for 2010 “Hero for the Uninsured” Awards and will be recognized during the dinner, which begins with a 5 p.m. reception, followed by dinner at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 6. The evening’s speaker will be Burt Purrington of Marquette, a retired anthropology professor who has been volunteering with medical mercy missions to Haiti since the late 1990s and has recently returned from the earthquake-stricken country. He will relate his experience of volunteering in Haiti with the roles of volunteers in addressing needs at home as well as abroad. “Community Builder” sponsors for this year’s “Hero for the Uninsured” Awards Dinner include: Marquette General Hospital, Marquette; OSF St. Francis Hospital, Escanaba; Dickinson County Healthcare System, Iron Mountain; Helen Newberry Joy Hospital, Newberry; Mackinac Straits Health System, St. Ignace; Munising Memorial Hospital, Munising; NorthStar Health System, Iron River; Portage Health, Hancock; Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital, Manistique, and War Memorial Hospital, Sault Ste. Marie. They join in recognizing 2010 “Hero” awardees with UPHAC and the five Local Access Coalitions, which serve uninsured residents all 15 U.P. counties through their work with local health care providers, pharmacies and prescription services, doctors, hospitals and clinics, and individual volunteers. Together, they coordinate donated or low-cost primary health care services, prescriptions and medical testing for uninsured working-age adults. To find out about services, contact the Local Access Coalition in your area:
***2009 News*** UPHAC 8th Annual Fall Conference Release
Seven in the Spotlight: Seven exemplary health care providers, service partners and volunteers from across Upper Michigan were honored May 7 for generous support they’ve given uninsured U.P. residents. They are recipients of 2009 “Hero for the Uninsured” Awards, sponsored by the Upper Peninsula Health Access Coalition (UPHAC), five Local Access Coalitions of the U.P. and health care partner organizations. The 2009 “Innovation Hero” Awardee is Northwoods Airlifeline of Kingsford, a nonprofit organization of volunteer pilots who donate their time and aircraft to help patients and their families access needed medical care and health services not provided locally. In an average year, Northwoods Airlifeline pilots fly 180 urgent and non-urgent missions to assist U.P. residents, logging more than 1,000 hours in 2008. Two “Above & Beyond Hero” Awardees selected for 2009 are: A total of 16 community citizens and organizations were nominated for 2009 Hero Awards. Past “Hero for the Uninsured” Awardees include:
WANTED: Exceptional Community Care ‘Heroes’ This spring, exceptional contributions that open doors to health care for uninsured Upper Peninsula residents will be recognized with 2009 “Hero for the Uninsured” Awards, presented annually by U.P. Health Access Coalition and five local Access Coalitions of the U.P. Every day throughout the year, generous individuals and institutions make a difference in the lives and the health of our uninsured families, friends and neighbors – Nominations of “Hero for the Uninsured” candidates are being sought around the U.P. to recognize deserving volunteers and medical providers who help make health care, medications and needed medical services available to U.P. residents regardless of their ability to pay. Nominations may come from patients served and the general public as well as from the health care community and Access Coalitions and their partners. Deadline for submissions is March 13, 2009.
***2008 News***
Medical Care Access Coalition (MCAC) of Marquette is Michigan’s 2008 Outstanding Volunteer Program, one of eight Michigan volunteer organizations and citizen-volunteers honored as part of the 2008 Governor’s Service Awards ceremonies June 19. The Outstanding Volunteer Program Award recognizes the important role that organizations play in harnessing volunteer service for improving community life.  Accepting MCAC’s award in Detroit was Executive Director Melissa White (pictured above with Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm and First Gentleman Daniel G. Mulhern). Melissa was joined for the occasion by Dr. Kevin Piggott, the first volunteer medical director at MCAC’s Volunteer Clinic, and UPHAC Executive Director Stacie Kucera. UPHAC was pleased to nominate MCAC for the award. "We are absolutely thrilled to have the state recognize the incredible effort, quality care and excellent services that we and our volunteers are providing to uninsured residents in Marquette County," said Pat Micklow, MCAC board president. "Our mission is to save, and our outstanding director, staff and truly working board of directors appreciate what this service award represents." MCAC was one of 8 awardees recognized by Michigan Gov. Granholm and First Gentleman Mulhern, who chairs the Michigan Community Service Commission. Forty finalists had been selected from nearly 180 individual, business, and nonprofit organization nominees from across the state.
Your Neighbor Rachel Brown and Community Health Access Coalition: NEWBERRY -- Each day that Rachel Brown goes to work at Community Health Access Coalition (CHAC) in Newberry, she knows there will be an opportunity to help someone with a serious need. In her role as CHAC coordinator for Luce County, it happens all the time. “Community Health Access Coalition is a safety net program that makes a difference in the health and lives of our families, friends and neighbors in Luce County,” Brown said. “It’s gratifying to be able to connect them to services answering a basic human need – health care for uninsured, working-age adults of our county.” Brown started working with CHAC, first as a volunteer, in 2005, a couple years after it began serving residents of Chippewa, Mackinac, and Luce counties. She sees positive results from her work with program enrollees and the many medical providers and social services offices that make up that safety net. Like Access Coalition staff members around the U.P., she connects residents’ health care needs to volunteered services from area doctors, hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and other support sources. “I call Rachel and she answers my questions or researches, then calls me back that day with the answer,” says Beatrice Zerby of Newberry, who has been enrolled in the CHAC program since October, 2007. “She’s great!” “For many years, I went without proper health care -- when I was sick, I just stayed sick for long periods. I didn’t go to the doctor unless I was in horrendous pain and then just prayed they’d have samples of the medication I would need,” she said. “If they didn’t, they would write me out a script and I would leave the office and cry, knowing I couldn’t get it filled.” “I’m so happy and thankful that I am finally able to get meds when I need them and also able to see a doctor,” she said. At CHAC’s offices in Sault Ste. Marie, Newberry and St. Ignace, every day is “Make a Difference Day” – an occasion observed nationally this Saturday. Helping, caring, serving – it’s what Access Coalition work is all about. “CHAC is able to provide the coordinated health care services because of the wonderful volunteers in our community,” says Andrea Osborn, CHAC program manager. “The medical providers that partner with CHAC ‘Make a Difference’ every day in the lives of the uninsured by donating their time and expertise; the local hospitals and pharmacies provide donated and discounted services, and local volunteers donate their time to enroll patients into our program as well as complete paperwork for additional services for CHAC patients.” In 2007, for example, CHAC secured over $1.5 million in donated care and services for 861 patients. “I am proud to say that CHAC staff was able to provide over $540,000 in donated pharmaceuticals for our patients in the tri-county area by completing Pharmaceutical Assistance Program (PAP) applications,” Osborn said. “By assisting to bring these pharmaceuticals to our patients, we are completing the circle in the continuum of medical care, from health care provider visit to hospital services to prescription assistance,” she added. In communities across the Upper Peninsula, local Access Coalition staff help keep medical care within reach for thousands of their fellow UP residents. Their coordination activities locate services to assist patients without health insurance – arranging for doctor/clinic appointments; coordinating laboratory tests, X-rays, and specialty care; applying for medications from PAP programs, and connecting them with other community resources and services. Overall, in 2007, five local Access Coalitions in the UP located and coordinated more than $3,799,000 in donated or low-cost purchased direct care services and medications for 3,014 uninsured residents. That was up substantially from $2,665,000 in 2006. Pharmaceuticals alone accounted for $2.1 million of the 2007 figure. In doing so, they partnered with more than 400 physicians, 13 hospitals/health care systems, six health departments and a wide range of community service organizations that volunteer care, services and other resources. If you (or a friend or loved one) are uninsured and a resident of Luce, Mackinac or Chippewa counties, perhaps CHAC can make a difference for you. Contact Rachel Brown in Luce County at 906.293.8355; Rashel Morningstar in Mackinac County at 906.643.7253, or Paulette Sporte in Chippewa County at 906.635.7483.
UPHAC Honors 6 ‘Hero for the Uninsured’ Awardees Six exemplary health care providers from across Upper Michigan were honored May 1 for their contributions in providing services to uninsured Upper Peninsula residents. They received 2008 “Hero for the Uninsured” Awards at an evening recognition dinner in Marquette, sponsored by UPHAC during “Cover the Uninsured” Week.  This year’s “Hero for the Uninsured” Awardees include:
"UPHAC is pleased to again recognize special people and organizations in 2008 for extending exceptional assistance to uninsured residents of their communities,” said Bill Reid, UPHAC board president. “These ‘Hero for the Uninsured’ awardees represent hundreds of others who partner with the Local Access Coalitions of the U.P. to selflessly respond to needs of their families, friends and neighbors without health care coverage.” A total of 17 community citizens and organizations were nominated for 2008 Hero Awards.
Access Coalitions Take Part in Local Health Fairs. Staff from Medical Access Coalition's Delta and Menominee county offices participated in a Health Fair April 19 at the Little River Golf Club in Marinette, WI. Darice Hannon, assistant program coordinator in Menominee, left, and Mary Williams, MAC program coordinator, greet visitors at the MAC booth.They highlighted the upcoming Cover the Uninsured Week observance (April 27-May 3) and shared information about MAC services with about 200 area residents who attended the fair. Other Local Access Coalitions participating in spring health fairs include Community Health Access Coalition's Mackinac and Luce County offices at the West Mackinac Health Fair in Engadine April 26 and Medical Care Access Coalition's own community health fair at Marquette Commons following the MCAC Awareness Walk May 3.
Health Care ‘Hero’ Recognition Dinner
On May 1, during Cover the Uninsured Week (April 27-May 3), the Upper Peninsula Health Access Coalition invites the public and the U.P. health care community to a special event celebrating contributions of exemplary citizens and organizations that improve the health and well-being of hundreds of their Upper Peninsula neighbors. The annual “Hero for the Uninsured” Awards for 2008 will be presented during an evening dinner and reception beginning at 6 p.m. at Upfront & Company in Marquette. Among dignitaries participating in the ceremonies will be a 2007 “Hero” Award winner, Dr. Kevin Piggott of Marquette, who will speak from an historic perspective on the outlook for national health care as well as from his experience with the Access to Health Care movement. 2008 “Hero” Award winners from across the U.P. will be announced in four categories – “ Above & Beyond Hero,” “Most Valuable Partner (MVP) Hero,” “Personal Touch Hero” and “Innovation Hero.” In today’s troubled economy, it’s an everyday dilemma: faced with choosing between paying for basics like food and housing or the costs for health care, too many Upper Peninsula residents are going without medical services and prescriptions to make ends meet. For the fortunate ones that choice isn’t necessary, thanks to intervention from dedicated health care providers, committed medication sources, extraordinary social services and other selfless efforts by community support programs and volunteers. These individuals and programs step forward as part of their everyday routines to make a difference in the lives and health of residents in their communities, often at little or no cost to the patient. They work independently or in cooperation with Local Access Coalition programs around the U.P. This awards dinner is an opportunity for U.P. communities to thank those who help “cover” uninsured residents’ health care needs. Medical care organizations, health care service and prescription providers, social service groups and others involved in examining and addressing needs in the regional population’s health profile are encouraged to attend this event. It is sponsored by UPHAC and five Local Access Coalitions which serve citizens of all 15 U.P. counties: Community Health Access Coalition (Chippewa, Luce and Mackinac); Dickinson-Iron Medical Care Access Coalition; Medical Access Coalition of Delta and Menominee Counties; Medical Care Access Coalition (Marquette, Schoolcraft and Alger) and Western U.P. Healthcare Access Coalition (Baraga, Gogebic, Houghton, Keweenaw and Ontonagon). Tables at the dinner may be sponsored by affinity groups for their members and/or individuals and organizations from their communities whom they’d like to recognize during “Cover the Uninsured” Week. Individual tickets are $25; tables of 6 may be reserved for $125. Organizations may also support the annual “Hero” recognition dinner as a “Community Builder” at three levels of sponsorship. Register online for group or individual reservations for the “ Hero for the Uninsured” Awards Dinner. Any questions can be directed to: adittrich@uphealthaccess.org . Deadline for reservations is Friday, April 25.
***2007 News***
Senator Stabenow Visits MCAC Office  U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (center in photo) met with Access Coalition
board members and staff at Medical Care Access Coalition offices in
Marquette Sept.4 to discuss access to health care programs in the Upper
Peninsula and Congressional health care legislation, including pending
bills for reauthorization of the State Children’s Health Insurance
Program (SCHIP).
DIMCAC VISTA Honored for Service Erik Koenig of Iron River, a VISTA volunteer with the Dickinson-Iron Medical Care Access Coalition (MCAC), has been recognized as a finalist in the 2007 AmeriCorps *VISTA Spirit of Service Award competition.  Erik began his VISTA service work with the Iron County access program office in February, 2005. He has been largely responsible for developing MCAC’s outreach in Iron County where he grew up; he has not only garnered services of dozens of volunteers but has helped raise donated dollars to offset costs of medications for uninsured residents in the program. MCAC Executive Director Benjamin Wood nominated Erik for his demonstrated leadership skills. “Erik has certainly been a vital part of our successes with the program to date. His knowledge of his hometown community has been immeasurable as we’ve worked to get our program off the ground within the last three years,” he said. “He’s been a true asset for us and is very deserving of this national recognition.” AmeriCorps*VISTA is a national and community service program that assists small grassroots organizations in economically challenged communities to build capacity for addressing local needs through the placement of more than 6,000 VISTA volunteers nationwide.
UPHAC Recognizes 8 ‘Hero for the Uninsured’ Awardees  “These ‘Heroes for the Uninsured’ provide exemplary assistance on a regular basis and, for the most part, their service goes unheralded,” said Bill Reid, president of UPHAC. “We are pleased to honor contributions of eight exceptional ‘Heroes’ as we recognize the work of hundreds of others who partner with our Local Access Coalitions to serve the uninsured.” Honorees for 2007 are:
“Hero for the Uninsured” awards are presented annually by UPHAC in conjunction with five Local Access Coalitions to recognize excellence in service that advances their shared mission of achieving 100 percent access to quality health care with dignity for residents of the U.P.
LEGALLEY RECOGNIZED FOR LEADERSHIP EFFORTS  Sue LeGalley of Marquette, first president of the Upper Peninsula Health Access Coalition Board of Trustees (2004-2006), was recognized March 11 for her service in leading efforts to establish UPHAC and extend access to health care programs cross the entire Upper Peninsula. Bill Reid, current UPHAC board president, presented the tribute award at Marquette’s First Presbyterian Church during the 2007 annual meeting of the Medical Care Access Coalition (MCAC) on whose board Sue LeGalley also serves. She is one of two MCAC representatives on UPHAC’s governing board.
ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE AT UP LABOR-MANAGEMENT COUNCIL CONFERENCE  Winch Diller, director of Schoolcraft Health Access/Medical Care Access Coalition in Manistique, discusses access-to-health-care programs available to Schoolcraft County residents with county resident Susan Cameron (right) of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) labor organization March 8 in Harris. The U.P. Labor-Management Council’s annual conference, “Live Well, Die Well,” helped focus attention on Access Coalition initiatives on behalf of the uninsured for workers and employers from across the Upper Peninsula. UPHAC statistics for 2006 showed that 56.7 percent of qualified U.P. residents served by Access Coalitions are employed full or part-time but lack coverage for medical care and prescriptions.
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