LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – As Aspirus Health prepares to end labor and delivery services at its Ironwood hospital by December 31, 2025, State Representative Greg Markkanen is addressing the concerns facing families across the Western U.P.
Markkanen says Aspirus leaders explained that the shortage of OB-GYN specialists is affecting all rural hospitals.
“They’re working with St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth that bring doctors over and nurse practitioners as well,” he said. “So we’re trying to find a fix for it.”
The lawmaker also clarified that Aspirus did not receive state funding tied to recruitment.
“It was reported that Aspirus took an appropriation, a grant from last term to help recruiting,” he said. “They did not accept that money. They never received it, never accepted it.”
While calling for transparency, Markkanen stressed the importance of keeping healthcare access close to home.
“We need healthcare in the rural Western U.P. just as much as anyone else,” he said. “And now the distances are getting longer and longer.”
He credited hospitals in Baraga, Keweenaw, and Calumet for stepping up to serve their communities, but warned the growing distances could put families at risk. His solution: establishing a 24/7 emergency clinic in Ontonagon “sooner the better.”
