Aspirus Iron River hospital hosts hands-on safety event June 27

Aspirus Iron River Hospital and Clinics will turn its patio and helipad into a hands-on public-safety classroom for Iron County families, giving residents a chance to meet the people and see the equipment they may depend on in an emergency. The free Wisdom & Wellness session, Public Safety & Emergency Response Teams, is set for Saturday, June 27, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. CT.

The hospital says the afternoon will be more interactive than a standard lecture or screening. Visitors will be able to meet local first responders and emergency personnel, look over emergency vehicles and equipment up close, learn safety practices and emergency preparedness, and take part in demonstrations and activities. Community partners that help keep the region safe are also expected to be part of the event. Light refreshments will be provided, and registration is requested by phone.

The setting is part of the story. By using the patio and helipad at Aspirus Iron River Hospital, the event places emergency response in a real-world setting that can be especially meaningful for children, parents, seniors and rural households that live farther from larger medical centers. Bryan Harkness, the hospital’s vice president, chief administrative officer and director of nursing, said the goal is to bring the community together while recognizing the teams that respond in times of need and to build awareness, appreciation and confidence in emergency preparedness.

The June program is the latest installment in Aspirus’ Wisdom & Wellness series, which launched in January 2026 as a free monthly community education effort meant to provide trusted, accessible health information and direct access to local healthcare experts. Earlier sessions in 2026 included Health and Diabetes Education, Cardiac & Respiratory Services, Esophageal Cancer Awareness and Aging UP. The April 29 session on Esophageal Cancer Awareness was presented by Dr. Medhat Fanous and David Lorensen, and the May 20 Aging UP program was held at the Aspirus Iron River Café.

The event comes after public concern in Iron County last fall over Aspirus service cuts elsewhere in the Upper Peninsula, including the closure of Aspirus Ontonagon Hospital, the loss of OB/GYN services in Ironwood and staffing cuts in Iron River. It is also listed on the Iron County Economic Chamber Alliance calendar, underscoring the public interest in a hospital program built around visibility, preparedness and trust.