UM Health-Sparrow Proves Innovation Thrives in Mid-Michigan
University of Michigan Health-Sparrow has been caring for the people of the Lansing region since its founding in 1896, when a group of pioneering women organized the Women’s Hospital Association after determining that Michigan’s growing capital city needed improved access to health care.
Today, as a member of Michigan’s Health Core, UM Health-Sparrow is investing in state-of-the-art facilities and technology, while supporting thousands of medical experts and caregiving professionals in providing the highest quality care for our community.
UM Health-Sparrow’s impact is felt across Mid-Michigan at more than 100 sites of care: at UM Health-Sparrow Lansing, community hospitals in Carson City, Charlotte, Ionia and St. Johns, and UM Health-Sparrow primary care providers and specialists serving patients across the region.
Leading Cancer Technologies and Research
UM Health-Sparrow’s Herbert Herman Center is nationally recognized for care, earning full accreditation with Commendation by the Commission on Cancer (CoC), a distinction achieved by only 14 percent of all accredited cancer centers nationwide.
The cancer center is also one of the only regional programs accepting Phase 2 and Phase 3 clinical trials, giving Mid-Michigan patients access to pioneering therapies here in their own community, eliminating the need to travel out of town for advanced treatment.
This research capacity reflects the commitment to innovation exemplified by Michigan’s Health Core. In partnership with Michigan State University, UM Health-Sparrow created the Center for Innovation and Research in 2012, where researchers continuously develop new methods to improve care and deliver patient-centered, evidence-based best practices.
Innovating During COVID
UM Health-Sparrow was recognized for its innovative approach to care during the pandemic, when it transformed the Frandor Shopping Center parking lot into one of Michigan’s first drive-through COVID-19 testing sites. The drive-through model, which eventually expanded to include vaccination services, allowed UM Health-Sparrow to safely test and vaccinate thousands of Mid-Michigan residents and is a perfect example of the collaborative, innovative approach of Michigan’s Health Core.
Growing Our Local Economy
UM Health-Sparrow’s impact extends beyond patient care. With nearly 7,300 employees, the health system is one of the region’s largest employers and invests millions into the local economy.
The organization also serves as a critical training ground for future physicians through its robust residency program with Michigan State University, keeping talented young doctors in Michigan.
By partnering on world-class patient care, cutting-edge research, workforce development, and economic investment, UM Health-Sparrow and Michigan’s Health Core are working together to build a local ecosystem where healthcare innovation thrives.
Category: Talent and Workforce