Community Advisory Council
The Community Advisory Council (CAC) partners community members, patients, and families with members of the healthcare team to guide how to improve the patient and family experience. Through their unique perspectives, our advisors help us ensure that every patient who comes to our facilities experiences high-quality care.
Advisors provide:
- Insights about our strengths and areas where change may be needed.
- Feedback on practices and policies that patients and families find meaningful and useful in helping them be active partners in their care.
- Timely feedback and a fuller picture of the care experience than standard surveys can provide.
- Assistance with projects and initiatives focused on quality and service.
- Input on experiences, and their philosophies and ideas for improvement.
Consider becoming part of the advisory board:
- Do you want to help create a positive change at UP Health System – Portage?
- Can you commit to volunteering 2–4 hours each month?
- Can you commit to serving on the CAC for 1–2 years?
- Are you willing to be an ambassador in the community for UP Health System – Portage?
Apply Now
If you answered yes to the above questions, then you may be a good fit. Click the button below to submit your application. Successful CAC applicants must attend hospital orientation and submit to the same pre-employment screening as our employees and volunteers. If you have any questions, contact Director of Quality and Infection Prevention & Patient Safety Officer Tamar Gagnon at tgagnon@portagehealth.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the time commitment?
Most members commit 2–3 hours per month between a monthly meeting, attendance at special committees, and special projects. The Board Chair generally commits to 2–6 hours per month as this position has additional duties such as setting agendas and working with our leadership team. Terms range from 2–3 years.
What is the Council Chair responsible for?
The Council Chair will set agendas, run the meetings, and work closely with the UP Health System – Portage leadership team. Optimally, the Council Chair would have experience with running meetings, excellent communication skills, and be able to work effectively within a team as a leader.
What is a Council Member responsible for?
A Council Member attends monthly meetings, is willing to share their experience with the intent of utilizing the information to improve service, may participate in special committees focused on service and quality, and may engage in particular activities that help us determine the quality of our services.
Council Members participate in the purposeful discussion surrounding the patient experience opportunities that have been presented to the CAC for meaningful feedback. Council Members are also allowed to share their suggestions for improvement.
The CAC does not explore operational aspects of the hospital such as finance and contract labor. Data and updates regarding patient quality, safety, and experience are presented to the CAC regularly. One Council Member also serves on the Patient Safety and Clinical Quality Committee.