Forsyth a Healthcare Oasis in a Rural Desert
March 10, 2025
Access to healthcare services in rural towns has become a nationwide crisis, with more towns losing healthcare facilities and providers. Forsyth township has been bucking that trend for almost 40 years. Dr. Cathy Kroll opened a new Gwinn primary care practice in 1984 and this has grown in the recent decade after affiliating with Great Lakes Family Health. The practice has expanded to two locations (Gwinn and Sawyer) and expanded services to include multiple family medicine primary care providers, dentistry and behavioral health services. Forsyth residents are only a few miles away from one of the two centers. Complementing the Great Lakes Practices is a “Teen” Clinic within the Gwinn Schools that serves students of all ages.
We are learning that quality Oral Health impacts systemic health more than we have thought. Fortunately, Forsyth has Northern Trail Dental Center under the direction of Dr. Gwen Buck. The practice provides all levels of care prophylaxis to reconstruction and implants. A University of Michigan Dentistry graduate, Dr. Buck has extensive expertise including being recognized as a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine providing options for sleep apnea treatment.
Along with Medical and Dental care injury recovery and physical health are improved with Physical Therapy. Forsyth has two locations staffed by professional from the team at UP Rehab Services. While many residents of the UP have to travel up to an hour for therapy services, these treatments are at the doorstep of our residents. Whether it is recovery from surgery or injury the staff is ready to assist our community.
Unfortunately, despite the best of care, many times we require medications or supplies to maximize our care. Snyder Drugs in Gwinn has a pharmacy staffed by a licensed pharmacist six days a week and is open seven days for supplies. If our doctor orders a new medication they are literally available around the corner.
At times, our illness needs the attention of a specialist or complex diagnostic or treatment modalities. Forsyth is conveniently located 30 minutes south of the UP-Health System that is a regional trauma and cardiac center with many other specialty services. Complex consults and treatment are as close as in many suburban areas.
When emergencies strike, Forsyth has EMT staffed ambulance service supplemented by Advanced Services from the EMS team at UP Health System when conditions may merit more advance care in the field.
Care for the whole family is essential and many of our families include an animal. Healthcare in Forsyth is rounded out by the Gwinn-Sawyer Veterinary Clinic for the last 25 years. Dr. Wilcox leads a team specializing in animal care that saves our residents the burden of travel.
While many towns are losing services, healthcare services in Forsyth Township are flourishing and have been expanding in recent decades bucking nationwide trends, just another reason Forsyth Township is a great place to live and play.
