Danielle Walin, far left, president of Stand Up Michigan Marquette County, is the organizer of a gathering of individuals who protested the COVID-19 vaccine mandate imposed by UPHS - Marquette. The group held the event on Friday in front of the hospital. (Journal photo by Christie Mastric)

MARQUETTE — UPHS – Marquette’s COVID-19 vaccine requirement was the focus of a gathering of individuals who protested the mandate on Friday in front of the hospital along Baraga Avenue.

Danielle Walin of Marquette, president of Stand Up Michigan Marquette County, organized the event.

“We stand up for our freedoms and our rights,” Walin said of the group.

Individuals demonstrated on Friday, she noted, to show support for UPHS employees who are against the vaccine mandate.

“We feel it’s a freedom of choice whether you get vaccinated or not, and UPHS is mandating their employees to get vaccinated as of Dec. 6,” she said.

She stressed Stand Up Michigan Marquette County is not an “anti-vax” group but is for freedom of choice.

Kristi Barry, who has been a nurse at UPHS – Marquette for almost 30 years, participated in the gathering.

“I’m not for the mandate,” Barry said. “I believe it’s a choice.”

Barry said she just applied for an exemption, which she pointed out is allowed on either medical or religious reasons. She put in for a religious exemption.

UPHS-Marquette administration on Friday provided a statement on the issue.

“UP Health System – Marquette intends to fully comply with the federal vaccine requirement, as we know that the COVID-19 vaccine is our best defense against this virus,” it said.

By Dec. 6, individuals are expected to have either received the single-dose Johnson & Johnson/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine or the first dose in a two-dose series — Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna, it said. Individuals must receive the second dose in a two-dose series by Jan. 4.

“COVID-19 testing is not a required mitigation strategy under the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services vaccination rule and is not an alternative to complying with the mandate,” UPHS – Marquette said. “We are committed to fulfilling all of our regulatory and compliance obligations and are working diligently to ensure our team is compliant by the deadlines.”

Administration indicated it is pleased that 85% of employees have already chosen to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

“We are working with our remaining staff members to ensure they either receive the COVID-19 vaccine or submit an appropriate exemption,” it said. “We are grateful to our team for complying with the federal vaccination requirement and doing their part to advance our mission of ‘Making Communities Healthier.'”

Administration also addressed Friday’s gathering.

“While we fully respect the rights of individuals to voice their views on this or any matter, we are committed to fulfilling our regulatory and compliance obligations and plan to comply with the current law as reflected in the federal mandate,” it said.

Administration also noted, “Our focus continues to be on providing safe, high-quality care to all those we serve.”

Christie Mastric can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 250. Her email address is cbleck@miningjournal.net.