The McLaren Northern Michigan Foundation is a supporting organization of McLaren Northern Michigan. Both are 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations committed to providing quality healthcare in northern Michigan. All donations to the Foundation stay local and support our hospital and its affiliate organizations.
OUR MISSION
To receive and administer funds to support the mission of McLaren Northern Michigan and support programs that enhance the well-being of the community.
OUR PROMISE
You will have unwavering confidence that your gift will be optimized to provide superior patient care and knowledge that your generosity will impact you, your family, and your community for generations to come.
2025 BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Elise Fisher
Chair
Ham Schirmer
Vice Chair
Courtney M. Font, CFP ®
Treasurer
Miriam Hollar
Secretary
Gar Atchison
President and CEO
Robbie Buhl
Steven C. Cross
David Crouse
Matthew J. Frentz, CPA
Matthew Krieger
Patrick Leavy
Kathie Nihls
James Riehl, III
Rogan L. Saal
James C. Schroeder, PhD
Tracy Souder, MA CCC-SLP
Maggie Steffy
Julie Jarema Vice President and Chief Philanthropy Officer
LETTER FROM LEADERSHIP
Dear Friends,
What does it look like to truly take care of a community? We witnessed it at McLaren Northern Michigan Foundation through the remarkable generosity of 1,357 donors who contributed more than $3.9 million in 2024. Those gifts allowed us to support the work of McLaren Northern Michigan, Boulder Park Terrace, McLaren Home Care & Hospice, and the Justin A. Borra Behavioral Health Center.
We call this our “Gratitude Report” because we are deeply grateful for the way you help us take care of northern Michigan. Through your donations, we’re able to take care of our patients with new medical equipment, take care of our caregivers with training and resources, and take care of residents in our community with healthcare services.
Thank you for caring for our community along with us. Your partnership makes everything we do possible – we are grateful for you!
With heartfelt appreciation,
Please note: Throughout this publication, names followed by “*” have been changed to respect patient privacy.
Elise Fisher Board Chair McLaren Northern Michigan Foundation
Julie Jarema Vice President and Chief Philanthropy Officer
McLaren Northern Michigan Foundation
Taking care
HOSPICE & BEREAVEMENT
TAKING CARE OF FAMILIES THROUGH LIFE’S MOST CHALLENGING MOMENTS
At McLaren Northern Michigan Home Care & Hospice, taking care means supporting patients and families at every stage. The comprehensive approach implemented by our caring staff combines medical care with emotional and practical support, aided by 84 volunteers who dedicated 2,283 hours of companionship and respite care in 2024.
Within our hospice services, the Children’s Grief and Loss Program addresses a critical need by providing weekly support to children across multiple school districts. Laura Boss, LMSW, our Child Bereavement Specialist, and her certified therapy dog Libby, offer support through art therapy, creative activities, and age-appropriate counseling. One powerful example of the program’s impact is seen in Madison’s* artwork following the loss of her aunt — two hearts that illustrate her journey through grief: one vibrant and whole and the other broken and dark, expressing her profound sense of loss. By taking care of these children today, we’re helping them prepare for tomorrow, while ensuring they don’t face their grief alone.
“I love what I do and the kids I serve. I am so thankful to be part of their healing journey, thank you!”
LAURA BOSS, LMSW CHILD BEREAVEMENT SPECIALIST
Your contributions help extend Foundation support beyond emotional care to practical assistance. From helping families with travel expenses to providing essential medical equipment, you help ensure that no family carries these burdens alone. With your partnership, we’re taking care of our community with compassion and dignity at every step of the journey.
18
CHILDREN SERVED MONTHLY BY PROGRAM
400 QUILTS MADE BY VOLUNTEERS
Laura Boss and Libby
Taking care
TAKING CARE OF COLLEAGUES
EMPLOYEE WELLNESS PROGRAMS AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
At McLaren Northern Michigan, we understand that exceptional patient care starts with taking care of our caregivers. We’ve created programs that support the physical wellbeing and professional development of our staff. In 2024, $66,481 was disbursed to fund 56 scholarships. Our Harvesting Health program brings fresh produce directly to our healthcare team, while Skills Day training events provided hands-on learning and skill enhancement for 117 caregivers.
The power of our colleague education program is highlighted in stories like Brandie Rariden’s, a dedicated nurse seeking dual certification in Post Anesthesia and Ambulatory Peri Anesthesia Nursing.
“Thank you, thank you! I take pride in my nursing skills and want to provide the best, most up-to-date, safest care possible to patients.
Donors help bring new knowledge to northern Michigan.”
BRANDIE RARIDEN RN, BSN
PREOPERATIVE/POSTOPERATIVE SURGICAL NURSE
Through Foundation support, dedicated healthcare professionals like Brandie can pursue certifications, attend conferences, and advance their education. This investment in our staff’s continuing development elevates the quality of care for our entire community.
$66K+ DISBURSED FOR EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Brandie Rariden RN, BSN
3,980 BAGS OF PRODUCE DISTRIBUTED TO OUR COLLEAGUES THROUGH HARVESTING HEALTH PROGRAM
CHEBOYGAN CAMPUS
Taking care
BRINGING ADVANCED HEALTHCARE TO CHEBOYGAN
Generous donor support, including contributions raised by the Cheboygan Campus Guild, totaled nearly $220,000 in 2024, allowing McLaren Northern Michigan Foundation to enhance healthcare services at the Cheboygan Campus. Leading these improvements is the new 3D mammography suite, partially funded through the Breast Health Fund and Kim Monthei Cancer Fund. This advanced technology detects up to 40% more cancers than traditional mammography and features patient amenities in a newly renovated, welcoming environment.
Surgical capabilities have also been expanded with new orthopedic equipment for hand, wrist, knee, and rotator cuff procedures, while the Cardiac Rehabilitation Department enhanced rehabilitation support with a new NuStep trainer.
“I am grateful to Foundation donors who help us acquire much-needed surgical equipment. Your generosity ensures that we can deliver the highest standard of care to our patients here in northern Michigan.”
MATTHEW MEAD, MD ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON
Additionally, the Justin A. Borra Behavioral Health Center, since opening in late 2023, has already served more than 445 patients through comprehensive mental health services, including daily art, music, and exercise therapy activities.
Thank you for helping us provide exceptional healthcare for our Cheboygan Community!
8,056
EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT
VISITS AT CHEBOYGAN CAMPUS
Matthew Mead, MD Orthopedic Surgeon
514 SURGERIES AT CHEBOYGAN CAMPUS
$1,967,968 DISBURSED FOR NEW MEDICAL EQUIPMENT
Aaron Brown, MD Urologist
Taking care
COMPLETE CARDIAC SUPPORT
TAKING CARE FROM DIAGNOSIS TO RECOVERY
Through donor generosity, McLaren Northern Michigan continues to enhance its comprehensive cardiac care program with new technology and patient recovery services. 2024 was marked by the acquisition of two significant pieces of equipment: the EPIQ ultrasound and the 3D transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) ultrasound machine. These technologies are game changers for cardiac surgeries and managing patient care.
The EPIQ delivers superior imaging for early detection and monitoring the progression of heart conditions. In surgery, the 3D TEE Ultrasound provides real-time imaging with enhanced details for surgeons during open-heart surgery. This equipment, used for 573 surgeries in 2024, allows surgeons to have imaging of the complex anatomy of the heart when it matters most – during surgery.
“We
now have state-of-the-art imaging capabilities that allow us to see the heart with incredible clarity and detail. I am grateful to our donors who have made it possible to have this technology to treat and monitor our patients.”
MARY WARREN, RDCS
ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY TECHNOLOGIST
Beyond technology, donor support has enhanced patient care across the cardiac program. New catheterization lab stretchers improved patient comfort and therapeutic heart pillows aided post-surgical recovery for 300 patients. In cardiac rehabilitation, 200 patients benefited from Mediterranean cookbooks to support heart-healthy lifestyle changes.
Donors make it possible for northern Michigan residents to have exceptional heart care close to home.
573 SURGERIES WITH TEE
$572,611 DISBURSED FOR CARDIAC TECHNOLOGY AND PROGRAMS
Mary Warren, RDCS Echocardiography Technologist
2024 FINANCIAL IMPACT
YOUR GIFTS IN ACTION
Your gifts made an incredible impact on patients, their families, and our medical team. Thank you!
In fiscal year 2024, we disbursed $4,584,437 to McLaren Northern Michigan and our affiliates.
In fiscal year 2024, 1,357 donors generously gave contributions totaling $3,929,967.
Programmatic: $1,795,876
Major Medical Equipment: $1,894,272
Minor Medical Equipment: $73,696
Patient Assistance/Colleague Care: $168,247
Educational Scholarships: $66,481
Facilities/IT: $382,960
Gift in Kind: $202,905
Funds raised in one year are often disbursed the following year. Because of this, you will see that total disbursements surpassed revenue last year. This is good news that reflects a history of generous donor giving.
Programmatic: $1,795,876
Acute Rehab Activities Supplies
Behavioral Health Center tele-psych
Technology and recreational therapy supplies
Cardiac therapeutic heart pillows
Child Bereavement counselor wages
Clinical Educator wages supported
Colleague appreciation efforts including Harvesting Health produce
Anatomical models for Family Birthing Center
Supplies and refreshments for hospice quilters
Wages for 36 Nurse Interns | Maintenance and gas for Oncology Transport Van
Physician Recruitment | Student loan repayment for 136 colleagues
Major Medical Equipment:
$1,894,272
Pathology Lab cameras | Stretchers for Cath Lab and Cheboygan ED | Urology equipment including bladder scanner, UroCuff, and exam table | Gait trainer and vibration platform for Pediatric Rehab | 3D TEE Ultrasound System | O-Arm, Stealth Navigation system for Neurosurgery | EPIQ Ultrasound
Minor Medical Equipment: $73,696
Suction regulators and adaptor for inpatient care | Wheel chair scale for Cath Lab
Bariatric Table and Upper Body rehab equipment for Cheboygan Campus | Injector training kits and handheld ultrasound device for Medical Residency Program | Temporal thermometers, disinfecting machine, pediatric wheelchair and seizure pads for PACU/ Preand Post-Op department | Equipment, toys, speech therapy supplies for Pediatric Rehab
RhinoLaryngo Slim endoscope and monitor for Radiation Therapy | Trophon disinfecting machine for Urology Department
Comfort Kits | Prescriptions and nutritional supplements | Basic needs for oncology patients including utilities and auto repairs
Educational Scholarships: $66,481
Higher education assistance for 16 colleagues
40 colleagues received training or certifications | Skills Day training events provided hands-on learning for 117 nurses
Facilities/IT: $382,960
24 bedside chairs for patient bays in Cath Lab
3D Mammography Suite Art for Cheboygan Campus | Medical Residency suite renovation and IT upgrade | Infusion Center renovation with addition of 6 recliners | Main entrance renovation | Exterior landscaping and benches | Central Courtyard renovation
LEGACY GIFT
Virginia “Jinny” McCoy understood that taking care of our community’s health meant looking beyond today. She followed a family tradition of healthcare philanthropy that started with her parents and culminated in a significant estate gift to McLaren Northern Michigan Foundation in 2024.
“I’m not only investing in the hospital’s future but also the future of our wonderful northern Michigan communities,” Jinny once shared. Her commitment to this vision started with her first gift over 40 years ago.
Jinny appreciated the vital role our hospital plays in serving both yearround residents and summer community members. Her thoughtful estate planning ensures that McLaren Northern Michigan can continue providing exceptional care, advanced technology, and specialized services for all who need it. We are grateful for her incredible legacy.
