By Millie Jezior, Public Relations Manager, MyMichigan Health
For residents of Michigan’s Eastern Upper Peninsula, access to high-quality health care close to home is more than a convenience—it’s essential. Long distances and harsh winter weather can make receiving specialized medical care difficult, making continued investment in local health care critical to the region’s future.
That commitment is evident at MyMichigan Medical Center Sault, where investments in facilities, technology and specialized services are expanding access to care and improving the patient experience across the eastern Upper Peninsula.
One of the most visible investments is a nearly $19 million expansion and renovation project that began this summer. Supported in part by a $3.6 million State of Michigan grant, the project will expand outpatient surgery with 18 private patient rooms designed to improve comfort, privacy and efficiency. It also includes relocating behavioral health inpatient services to the main Medical Center campus, renovating the long-term care unit and modernizing key areas of the facility.
“We are excited to see this significant investment in our community because it demonstrates MyMichigan Health’s long-term commitment to rural health care,” said Kevin Kalchik, president, MyMichigan Medical Center Sault. “Our patients deserve access to advanced, high-quality care close to home, and these improvements will benefit many generations to come.”
Technology investments are also making advanced care more accessible. A new GE Voyager 1.5T MRI system will go into service this August, bringing faster exams, enhanced image quality and a more comfortable experience. Residents also have access to robotic-assisted surgery and robotic-assisted orthopedic procedures, providing minimally invasive treatment options that can lead to greater precision, shorter hospital stays and faster recovery.
Access to specialty care continues to grow, too. Earlier this year, the Medical Center launched a telestroke program in partnership with University of Michigan Health, providing patients experiencing stroke symptoms with immediate access to vascular neurology specialists 24 hours a day, seven days a week. When every minute counts, this collaboration helps ensure patients receive expert care as quickly as possible while remaining close to home whenever appropriate.
MyMichigan Medical Center Sault’s commitment to quality also earned statewide recognition. In 2026, its Maternity Center received Michigan’s MI AIM Platinum Designation for excellence in maternal care, reflecting a continued focus on evidence-based practices that improve outcomes for mothers and babies.
These investments represent more than new buildings or technology. They reflect an ongoing commitment to ensuring eastern Upper Peninsula residents have access to exceptional health care without traveling hours for treatment. As community needs continue to evolve, MyMichigan Medical Center Sault remains focused on expanding services, strengthening partnerships and investing in the future of health care close to home.
Learn more at mymichigan.org/sault.