Donors Get a Sneak Peek of New Construction, Renovation Project

Glenn King, B.A., M.S.N, R.N., vice president and chief administrative officer, MyMichigan Medical Centers in Alma, Clare and Mt. Pleasant, spoke to donors of the MyMichigan Medical Center Clare Expansion and Renovation project during a recent sneak peek event. Guests received a behind the scenes look at the expanded Emergency Department and private patient rooms, both part of the first phase of the $40 million, 51,000 square-foot expansion and renovation. The Emergency Department and Imaging Department, which features a new CT and MRI, are scheduled to open in February 2026.

MyMichigan Health Foundation hosted a special sneak peek event for donors of the MyMichigan Medical Center Clare Expansion and Renovation project. More than 50 people attended to get a behind the scenes look at the expanded Emergency Department and private patient rooms, both part of the first phase of the $40 million, 51,000 square-foot expansion and renovation.

“The Medical Center broke ground on the project in July 2024 and, since that time, the community has seen big changes to the campus. Having served the community for more than 70 years, the meticulous planning is starting to come to fruition as the first phase of the project begins to wrap up,” said Glenn King, B.A., M.S.N, R.N., vice president and chief administrative officer, MyMichigan Medical Centers in Alma, Clare and Mt. Pleasant. “The Emergency Department expansion and private patient rooms are more than just bricks and mortar, it reflects our commitment to care for people the way we would want our own loved ones to be cared for.”

Set to open in February 2026, the new Emergency Department features convenient curbside drop-off with a covered canopy; a warm, naturally lit lobby with comfortable seating; a dedicated registration area; access to a lab draw station that is available 24/7; 14 fully private treatment rooms and a dedicated ambulance entrance that provides a direct connection to two, large state-of-the-art trauma bays. Also set to begin operation in February, the Imaging Department is adding a new MRI and CT scanner and, for the community’s convenience, is making imaging services accessible 24/7.

On the second floor, the Medical Center created 16 new, private patient rooms and spaces designed to bring calm into chaos, dignity into stressful situations and a sense of humanity into medical care. The rooms are quieter, safer and centered around the patient and family experience.

“The donor event was a very special day and an opportunity to thank our donors who have made an investment in the health, safety and future of every person who calls Clare home,” said Becky Church, director, MyMichigan Health Foundation. “We are grateful for their support and encourage others to make an investment in the next area of improvements which will better equip the Medical Center to care for patients, embrace the latest technologies, and further our Purpose of ‘Creating Healthy Communities – Together.’”

According to King, as one of the largest employers in this region, MyMichigan Health is not just expanding the Medical Center, it’s investing in Clare’s economic strength and long-term vitality.

“This revitalization secures our role as an economic driver for Clare County, supports local employment, and ensures families can receive excellent care close to home,” he said.

Following the February opening of the new areas, construction will move into Phase Two of the project. Plans for this phase include a more welcoming main entrance, an inviting lobby and registration area, as well as renovation to all first-floor public spaces including expanding the Shamrock Patch Gift Shop, first floor dining at the enlarged Shamrock Café and an improved exterior plaza and wayfinding.

“This project is an example of what’s possible when a community, a Medical Center team and its dedicated partners work together with a shared goal in mind,” Church said. “It’s proof that rural and small-town health care can be both advanced and deeply personal.”

Those interested in supporting the project or to seeing on-going construction updates may visit www.mymichigan.org/clareproject.