SHF Awards $271,000 to 11 U.P. Health Initiatives
The Superior Health Foundation announced $271,000 in funding across 11 grants in its third grant cycle of 2026, including a $100,000 U.P. Health Impact Grant to Upper Great Lakes Family Health Center's Sawyer Dental Project. The awards also include four additional U.P. Health Impact Grants and six Equipment Grants addressing behavioral health/SUD, healthy food and wellness, maternal/infant health, accessibility, EMS/first aid, and hospice.
Oral health has been a funding priority in recent years for the Foundation, and this cycle's largest award reflects that focus.
"Oral health continues to surface as one of the U.P.'s most persistent gaps, whether it's workforce shortages, aging equipment, or the distance families travel for basic care. This grant meets that need where it's most acute: a rural clinic that's one of the only Medicaid-accepting dental providers for miles."
-Megan Murphy, CEO, Superior Health Foundation
Upper Great Lakes Family Health Center (UGL) received $100,000 to replace outdated dental equipment at its Sawyer Family Health Center, located in KI Sawyer. UGL is one of two dental providers serving the broader Gwinn/Sawyer community and the only one accepting Medicaid patients. Its current equipment, purchased secondhand in 2015, is beyond its functional life, and housing-driven population growth in the Marquette area has increased demand for care without a corresponding increase in capacity. Many residents would otherwise travel 20 to 40 miles or more for dental services. The grant will fund equipment for all five dental operatories at UGL's new facility.
"We are incredibly grateful to the Superior Health Foundation for its generous $100,000 investment in UGL's new Integrated Health Practice in the Sawyer community. This funding will allow us to purchase critical dental equipment that will expand access to high-quality oral health services for individuals and families throughout the area. Oral health is an essential part of overall health, and this support helps us bring comprehensive, integrated care closer to the people who need it most. The Superior Health Foundation's partnership is helping us ensure long-term, stable access to dental care while strengthening the health and well-being of our community for years to come."
-Trevor Hodges, Chief Executive Officer of Upper Great Lakes Family Health Center.
Four additional U.P. Health Impact Grants and six Equipment Grants round out the cycle
2026 Q3 U.P. Health Impact Grant Recipients
CASA of Menominee/Marinette | CASA Advocate Recruitment, Training and Supervision Initiative | $27,030
Keweenaw Bay Indian Community | KBIC Food Preservation Workshop Series | $72,300
Northern Michigan University | Manoomin as Medicine: Indigenous Health, Education, and Community Wellness Initiative | $13,800
Upper Great Lakes Family Health Center | Sawyer Dental Project | $100,000
Western U.P. Health Department | UP MOM Program | $22,406
2026 Q3 Equipment Grant Recipients
City of Manistique | Operation Life Ring | $3,234
Community Action Alger Marquette | CPR Manikins train Head Start | $840
Eastern Upper Peninsula Intermediate School District | Sault Exploration Station | $9,100
Lake Superior Life Care & Hospice | Comfort in Care: Specialized Positioning Chairs for Hospice | $7,660
Marquette Police Department | Protecting Our Children Initiative | $4,628
Trillium House | The Trillium House Bed Project: Supporting Dignity & Comfort at End-of-Life | $10,000