By Jennifer Champagne
Managing Editor
From counseling services and daycare to fitness programs and free thyroid screenings, Munising Memorial Hospital’s annual Women’s Health Fair continues to be a one-stop hub for women’s wellness and education.
The event, held in the hospital lobby, brings together nearly 20 vendors offering services that span every stage of life — from family resources such as AMCAB Head Start and Central Community Daycare to health and fitness providers including Deep Blue Fitness and U.P. Rehab’s pelvic floor therapy program.
“It’s important because it lets all the ladies know what we have to offer locally,” said Dorothy Mellon, lead mammographer at Munising Memorial Hospital. “It also helps them understand what insurance will cover year to year, so they can get the care they need.”
Rikki Ake, laboratory manager at Munising Memorial Hospital, said the fair represents more than just information — it’s about appreciation and connection.
“Women are such an important part of our community,” she said. “This event is one way we can give back by helping them access the health services and resources they deserve right here at home.”
Ake said she values how the fair helps bring women together in a welcoming, social atmosphere.
“It’s an opportunity to get together, have coffee and treats, talk about health and maybe schedule that mammogram you’ve been putting off,” she said. “It’s community-minded and reminds us that taking care of ourselves helps everyone.”
This year’s fair features a wide range of local and regional organizations, including the Commission on Aging, Three Little Birds Counseling, UPHP Community Health, Medilodge, Harbour View Assisted Living, Putvin’s Drug Store, A Bit of Everything, Levata Sleep, the Alger County Women’s Shelter and Bromley Books.
Hospital departments are also represented, with information tables for mammograms, bone-density testing and laboratory services.
“We reached out to pelvic floor therapy out of Marquette and the sleep apnea clinic by the crossroads,” Mellon said. “There’s lots of variety, but everything caters to women.”
A highlight of this year’s event is the return of free thyroid screenings, offered by the hospital laboratory.
“That’s always really nice to get done,” Mellon said. “Even if you don’t have insurance, you can at least get a baseline.”
For those needing help affording preventive care, the LMAS District Health Department offers the Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Navigation Program, or BC3NP. The program helps income-eligible women receive free or low-cost mammograms, Pap tests and diagnostic services. BC3NP also assists with navigation, referrals and, if necessary, connecting women diagnosed through the program with Medicaid coverage for treatment.
Eligible women can learn more or enroll by calling 1-844-446-8727 or visiting lmasdhd.org.
Munising Memorial Hospital’s Women’s Health Fair aims to make that first step easier.
“It’s all about connection and awareness,” Mellon said. “Even if someone just walks in to look around, they’ll leave knowing what’s available right here at home.”