UP Health System – Portage is pleased to announce that Angela Luskin, Express Care & Community Health Manager for UPHS-Portage, has been recognized as the hospital’s 2021 Mercy Award Winner. The Mercy Award recognizes one employee from each of LifePoint Health’s hospitals who profoundly touch the lives of others and best represents the spirit and values on which the company was founded.

The Mercy Award is an annual recognition program established in 2002 to honor the life and contributions of Scott Mercy, LifePoint’s founding chairman and chief executive officer. The award is considered the highest honor a LifePoint employee can receive.

“At UPHS – Portage, we share LifePoint’s commitment to making communities healthier, and we recognize this is supported by the good work and service of our employees both on and off the job,” said Ed Freysinger, CEO of UPHS – Portage. “We work alongside extraordinary people every day, and we are extremely proud to recognize Angela Luskin for her efforts on behalf of our patients and our community. She goes above and beyond each and every day to ensure that every person she encounters receives the highest level of care and compassion.”

Angela has been a dedicated UPHS-Portage employee for 17 years, overseeing Express Care operations, Fitness Center management, and classes, and wears many other hats both inside and outside of her work at UPHS-Portage. She was previously nominated for the Mercy Award in 2017 and 2018, underscoring that she has excelled in all areas of her life, devoting her energy, passion, and time dedicated to the idea of making our community healthier. With all of her responsibilities at work and at home, as the mother of two young and active kids, Wyatt and Alida, and puppy Rosie, and she still finds time to volunteer regularly as well.

Angela, pictured with son Wyatt and daughter Alida, and their puppy Rosie, participating in the “Virtual Canal Run” 2020.
In 2020, the Express Care clinic was in high demand during the months of the pandemic. Not only did Angela excel brilliantly in the midst of a challenging time, but she also went above and beyond by stepping up to help with the Physician Practices.

Outside of her work responsibilities, Angela also coordinates some of the largest local and regional health events, from cross country ski races to family fun runs and health fairs. Angela’s leadership of the 2020 Turkey Trot successfully transformed it into a safe “socially distanced 5k fun run” event during the pandemic. The Turkey Trot reached maximum capacity for event registration, providing our community a safe outdoor activity.

Angela also runs the “Heart Health by Numbers” and was creative during the pandemic to have many participants participate in lab draws, vitals, and a virtual presentation. This was a great way for people to understand how food and nutrition impact their health. These community events add vitality, improves fitness opportunities for both locals and visitors, and expand tourism spending in our local economy.

Angela also finds time to volunteer in organizations that benefit our patients and community. She is a community liaison for the pandemic; volunteers with the Chamber of Commerce; and assists with her son’s little league team.

In 2018, Angela was awarded the Keweenaw Community Spark Plug “Young Professional of the Year” Award, which recognizes a person in the Houghton-Hancock area, under the age of 40, who makes significant strides in our community and in their profession.

One final example of her work to make our communities healthier is in her role as Fitness Center manager, where she leads with kindness and respect. Many have witnessed Angela’s encouragement and positive attitude, helping new members feel welcome. She encourages all skill levels in the classes she teaches, making sure that everyone has a great workout experience. The saying “actions speak louder than words” applies to Angela. Whether she is leading a difficult spin or HIIT class or organizing a large event like the Canal Run in the middle of a global pandemic, you know she will always be right there with everyone leading by example. Angela always has a can-do attitude with a smile and a pep in her step. She leads with grace and inspires all who know her to do more.

Each hospital winner, including Angela, will be considered for LifePoint’s 2021 company-wide Mercy Award. The company-wide winner will be announced later this year and honored during a ceremony in Nashville, Tennesee, in August, to which Angela and all hospital winners are invited to attend.