MARQUETTE/ISHPEMING — UP Health System-Bell and UPHS – Marquette announced they are proud to join the American Hospital Association and health care organizations around the country in celebrating National Hospital Week, which is observed May 10-16, according to a UPHS press release.

Each May, National Hospital Week provides an opportunity to pause and honor the millions of health care professionals who dedicate their lives to taking care of people in their greatest times of need and to recognize the positive difference hospitals and health care organizations make in the communities they serve, officials said in a press release.

“As our community continues the fight against COVID-19, the pivotal role our health care workers play in the well-being of society is clearer than ever,” Gar Atchison, chief executive officer of UPHS – Marquette, said in a press release. “Their tireless efforts on the front lines of this disease and their commitment to quality care and patient safety year-round are critical to our mission of making communities healthier. We proudly honor these heroes during National Hospital Week and commend their inspiring efforts to serve others.”

The hospital plays a role in “supporting the health and vitality of the Upper Peninsula all year long,” officials said in a news release.

“The U.P. is a wonderful place to call home, and we are privileged to have a significant impact on its health and economic well-being,” Mitch Leckelt, chief executive officer of UPHS- Bell, in the release. “As we celebrate National Hospital Week amid unprecedented challenges this year and begin to look to the future, we are aware that healthcare — like other aspects of life — might look a little different. What will not change, though, is our mission and our commitment to this community. We will continue to put the health and well-being of our neighbors first, ensuring safe places of care and a healthier community for us all.”

From welcoming three new providers and expanding services, to investing more than $600,000 in new clinical technology and facility improvements, UPHS-Bell is “committed to meeting the evolving health needs of the community and enhancing access to high-quality care close to home.”

In 2019 alone, UPHS – Bell provided more than $510,000 of charity and other uncompensated care, regardless of patients’ ability to pay.

The organization employs around 350 staff and contributed more than $4 million in taxes to the local and state economies last year.

UPHS – Marquette has welcomed 15 new providers so far this year, expanded services and invested more than $350,000,000 in the new facility, officials said.

“UPHS – Marquette is committed to meeting the evolving health needs of the community and enhancing access to high-quality care close to home,” a press release from UPHS – Marquette states.

The organization employs around 1,878 people and contributed more than $7.8 million in taxes to the local and state economies last year, officials said.

UPHS – Marquette said it is proud to sponsor many local community organizations and non-profits, including the Lake Superior Community Partnership, The Beacon House, Superior Health Foundation, local YMCAs, Noquemanon Ski Marathon and more.

UPHS – Bell said it is proud to sponsor a number of local community organizations and nonprofits including the Greater Ishpeming-Negaunee Area Chamber of Commerce, Ishpeming Community Events, Kiwanis Club, Upper Peninsula Health Department, and more.

Ensuring that “everyone has access to the high-quality and compassionate care they need is a top priority” for the organization and fundamental to its mission, UPHS officials said in the press release.

Area residents are encouraged to leave their own special note of thanks at www.thankahealthcarehero.com.