IONIA, MI – Dozens of community leaders and team members celebrated the 10^th anniversary of the advanced new University of Michigan Health-Sparrow Ionia hospital on Monday, honoring a decade of growth and improved access to health care for rural residents.

             At an event at the hospital, 3565 S. State Road, speakers noted the additional health care services UM Health-Sparrow Ionia has brought to the community and the vital role it plays in Ionia County and surrounding areas.

             “We are the only hospital in Ionia County, so we have a purpose here, a strong purpose,” said Linda Reetz, president of UM Health-Ionia and Eaton. “Thank you for supporting rural health care. It’s a need, it’s a necessity.”

The hospital was dedicated on June 4, 2015, after the original Ionia County Memorial Hospital nearly closed as it aged beyond repair. The new 65,000-square-foot hospital was built for $25 million and included all-new technology, along with LEED certification for meeting strict environmental standards.

              Ten years later, “Growth is happening across the region,” noted Connie O’Malley, regional chief operating officer for U-M Health, including a pain center, cardiac rehabilitation, urology and pulmonology services.

For more information on UM Health-Sparrow Health Care Scholarships, go to UofMhealthsparrow.org/our-hospitals-services/um-health-sparrow-hospitals/ionia.