In August 2024, Ascension St. Mary’s in Saginaw began a new chapter following its transition to MyMichigan Health. Now, 19 months later, that change has taken root locally, with projects moving forward, partnerships strengthening and a growing list of accomplishments across the Saginaw community.
“Transitions take time, and the past year and a half has focused on listening, learning and moving forward together,” said Mike Erickson, president of MyMichigan Medical Centers in Saginaw, Towne Centre, Standish, Tawas and Alpena. “Our team has stepped up in remarkable ways, improving care for our patients. That commitment has strengthened services, built trust and led to real progress here in Saginaw, including a strong turnaround in financial performance.”
That progress is also being recognized by community leaders who have had a close view of the transformation.
“When I was asked to serve on the Board of Directors for MyMichigan Medical Center Saginaw, I gladly accepted because it offered a unique, behind-the-scenes perspective on not only the strength of MyMichigan Health as a health care provider, but also the integrity and commitment of the people leading it,” said Jimmy E. Greene, vice president of marketing and community relations, Saginaw Spirit and board member, MyMichigan Medical Center Saginaw. “What I’ve seen has only deepened my trust and confidence in this organization. Their investment in people, medical expertise and community engagement reinforces that MyMichigan is not only a strong health care provider, but a true partner in the well-being of Saginaw and its residents, and all the communities it serves.”
Advancing Care and Safety
Major steps have been taken to strengthen patient care and safety in Saginaw. The trauma program was successfully redesignated as a Level II Trauma Center, and the Medical Center achieved Comprehensive Stroke Recertification in December 2024. FlightCare also received reaccreditation. In addition, new virtual patient monitoring technology has been added, and Daily Safety Briefings were implemented across departments.
“A key component in improving patient safety is fostering a culture of safety,” said Erickson. “Daily briefings provide a consistent way for every department to identify potential issues early and ensure positive outcomes for our patients.”
Expanding Services and Technology
New services and technology investments have enhanced access to advanced care close to home. Saginaw introduced Pluvicto, a new prostate cancer therapy, and added a 3T MRI. CT scanners were replaced, and significant investments were made in operating room and sterile processing equipment. A new partnership with Great Lakes Imaging expanded imaging access.
Additionally, the successful launch of the EPIC electronic medical record system has improved coordination and efficiency.
“Epic has allowed us to create more patient- and family-centered workflows while improving efficiency and satisfaction,” said Steven McLean, M.D., emergency department medical director and vice president of medical affairs. “It also makes coordinating care with partners like University of Michigan much easier.”
Investing in Facilities and Medical Education
Facility upgrades in Saginaw included a renovated Sterile Processing Department, an updated tube system, replacement of cooling towers and more than $3 million in cosmetic improvements in patient care areas.
In the area of medical education, last November, MyMichigan joined Central Michigan University and Covenant Healthcare in a special announcement - a partnership to construct the university’s new College of Medicine in Saginaw. Named the MyMichigan Health Medical Education Building, the facility will be located on the campus of MyMichigan Medical Center Saginaw and will become part of the Medical Diamond project. It is expected to break ground in fall 2026. The relocation to Saginaw aims to create a collaborative learning environment by gathering most students in one location, enhancing mentorship opportunities and access to clinical experiences.
Strengthening Recruitment and Retention
Workforce stability has improved significantly, with reductions in open positions and turnover. Provider recruitment has also expanded specialty care access, including cardiology, oncology and neurosurgery.
“These numbers matter because people are choosing to stay, and new team members are choosing to join us,” Erickson said. “That stability ensures patients can access the care they need.”
Community Impact
Saginaw remains deeply engaged in the community, supporting organizations such as the CAN Council, Child and Family Services of Saginaw County and the YMCA. These efforts were complemented by MyMichigan’s ongoing wellness initiatives such as Lifestyle Medicine, Chronic Disease Self-Management, Food Pharmacies and more. These initiatives focus on prevention, education, safety, and community resilience, informed by the completion of the Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) and Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) processes. Saginaw will be completed by June 30, 2026.
The Medical Center also celebrated its 150th anniversary and installed a public AED at the Saginaw Thrift Store to enhance community safety.
Accolades in Quality and Patient Satisfaction
Saginaw earned a Grade A from Leapfrog’s Fall 2025 Hospital Safety Score, Advanced Certification in Total Hip and Knee Replacement from The Joint Commission, and recognition as a High Performing Hospital for Heart Failure by U.S. News & World Report. The Medical Center also received multiple American Heart Association honors.
“What makes the past 18 months so special is seeing how much has been accomplished by people who care deeply about this community,” Erickson said. “Our team has built a strong foundation for the future.”
MyMichigan Health, a non-profit health system headquartered in Midland, Michigan, is a leader in providing award-winning, high-quality care across the 26-counties it serves. With two tertiary hospitals in Midland and Saginaw, MyMichigan also has Medical Centers in Alma, Alpena, Clare, Gladwin, Mt. Pleasant, Sault Ste. Marie, Standish, Tawas, Towne Centre and West Branch. MyMichigan Health provides a full continuum of care across a wide array of settings, including urgent care centers, home health, virtual care, as well as medical offices. Their expertise spans 85 specialties and subspecialties, including behavioral health, cardiology, primary care, hematology/oncology, neurosciences, orthopedics, women and children services, and vascular surgery among others. Dedicated to advancing the future of medicine, MyMichigan Health collaborates with leading institutions to offer medical education programs. These initiatives are designed to train the next generation of medical professionals, including medical students, physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nursing students and other clinical experts. For four consecutive years, from 2022 to 2025, Forbes has acknowledged MyMichigan Health as one of “America’s Best Employers by State” and, in 2025, was also named to Forbes’ list of ‘America’s Best Employers for Healthcare Professionals.’ With more than 13,200 employees and operational support staff, MyMichigan Health is a significant employer within its service areas and is committed to creating healthy communities and responding to the changing needs of the more than one million residents it supports. In fiscal year 2025, MyMichigan Health provided $243 million in community benefits, as well as supported its patients and families with new equipment, services and programs with funds raised by the MyMichigan Health Foundation and Field Neurosciences Institute.