Sparrow Health System marks a new era by unveiling new name as University of Michigan Health-Sparrow
LANSING, MI – April 10th is another milestone for local health care as leaders of Michigan Medicine and the University of Michigan Health-Sparrow began celebrating Sparrow’s new name and rebranding.
During the celebrations, UM Health-Sparrow leaders unveiled new signage and a promotional campaign highlighting Sparrow Health System’s transition to the University of Michigan Health-Sparrow. The celebrations with community leaders and team members are being held today in Lansing, at UM Health-Sparrow Clinton and UM Health-Sparrow Carson, and on Thursday at UM Health-Sparrow Eaton and UM Health-Sparrow Ionia.
Speakers emphasized the progress made in the year since UM Health-Sparrow joined Michigan Medicine and improvements in care and access for the community. “The inclusion of Sparrow and UM Health-West (in the Grand Rapids area) are keys to our statewide clinical network and our goal of providing the best local care for our communities that we possibly can,” said Marschall Runge, M.D., CEO of Michigan Medicine and dean of the University of Michigan Medical School.
David Miller, M.D, president of U-M Health, noted that truly integrating clinical care with a partner organization is a recent innovation for Michigan Medicine, reflecting the importance of the relationship with UM Health-Sparrow.
“That’s why we are so excited to continue our journey with you, to grow and expand our capabilities in the Lansing and surrounding areas,” Miller said.
The former E.W. Sparrow Hospital in Lansing has become the University of Michigan Health-Sparrow Lansing, and each of Sparrow’s five community hospitals follows a similar naming convention. Rebranding and new signage will take years to complete. Margaret Dimond, regional president of U-M Health, noted all that’s been
accomplished since Sparrow became part of the health system on April 1, 2023, including planning for dozens of facility projects to reshape health care locally.
“We have created a regional health system in which we utilize the strengths of medical experts in Ann Arbor, the Lansing area, and the Grand Rapids area to provide top-notch care to our communities. What that means for our patients and their families is sometimes not having to make a long drive for specialized care and being back in the comfort of your home sooner,” Dimond said.
But Dimond noted that the newly named system would always be true to its roots. “We will never forget our 128 years of compassionate care and the rich history of Sparrow. We will look back on where we came from while focusing on the great things to come.”
Chandu Vemuri, M.D., chief medical officer of UM Health-Sparrow Lansing, said he’s excited by what the partnership has meant for patient care.
“As a physician, I am thrilled not only for our patients but also for our team members about what our relationship with the University of Michigan Health means for health care locally and statewide. In just one year, we’ve already seen it through innovative procedures led by Michigan Medicine physicians, added services, and improved access to care for our residents.”
For more information on the newly named University of Michigan Health-Sparrow, go to UofMHealthSparrow.org.
