UP Health System – Portage Earns an 'A' Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group

Spring 2026 Grade is a national recognition for commitment to patient safety 

HANCOCK, Mich. (May 6, 2026) — UP Health System – Portage (UPHS – Portage) earned an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit watchdog focused on patient safety. Leapfrog assigns an A, B, C, D or F grade to general hospitals across the country based on over 30 measures of errors, accidents, injuries and infections as well as the systems hospitals have in place to prevent them.  

“I’m incredibly proud of our staff and providers whose dedication, compassion, and focus on safety drive everything we do,” said Ryan Heinonen, CEO of UP Health System – Portage. “Earning an ‘A’ Safety Grade is a reflection of their tireless efforts to provide exceptional care and ensure the well-being of every patient who walks through our doors. This recognition underscores our continued commitment to excellence and our shared mission of making communities healthier.”

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade stands as the only hospital ratings program focused solely on preventable medical errors, infections and injuries that kill more than 500 patients a day in the United States. This program is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public. Grades are updated twice annually, in the fall and spring.  

“An ‘A’ Grade is a strong sign that UPHS – Portage is deeply committed to protecting patients from harm,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “We commend the leadership, Board, clinicians, staff and volunteers for the role each played in earning this distinction.” 

To explore UPHS – Portage’s full grade details and to find valuable tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit HospitalSafetyGrade.org. 

For more information, please visit The Joint Commission website. For information at UPHS – Portage, visit UPHealthSystem.com.