Wound care services are provided at all Aspirus hospitals throughout the Upper Peninsula, including Iron River. (Theresa Proudfit/Daily News photo)

IRON RIVER — Aspirus is calling special attention to local services that can offer hope and healing to people living with and suffering from chronic wounds.

A 2018 retrospective analysis of Medicare beneficiaries identified that roughly 8.2 million people had wounds with or without infections. Many of these wounds can be treated and healed by Aspirus’ wound care team and advanced therapies.

If left untreated, chronic wounds can diminish an individual’s quality of life and even lead to amputation.

Even more alarming is the relative 5-year mortality rate after limb amputation which is 68%. When compared to cancer it is second only to lung cancer with a mortality rate of 86%.

Aspirus’ wound care team offers specialized care services that can promote healing and prevent infection. Depending on the severity of the wound and its location, different treatments and techniques are used to help the body heal.

Wound care services are provided at all Aspirus hospitals throughout the Upper Peninsula, tailored to the individual patient. Once treatment is complete, patients return to their primary health care provider for routine follow-up care.

Aspirus serves communities through four hospitals in Michigan, including Iron River, and six hospitals in Wisconsin. It was recognized in 2018 and 2019 by IBM Watson Health as a Top 15 Health System in its annual study identifying the top-performing health systems in the country.