The Dickinson Hospital Foundation has launched a sweeping effort to protect young athletes across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, delivering 50 specially designed Guardian Caps to high school football teams for the upcoming season.
Protective Gear Backed by Research
Each Guardian Cap wraps a helmet in a padded, wraparound shield that, according to the American Journal of Sports Medicine, can cut concussion risk by more than half. The foundation’s board approved the distribution unanimously, targeting schools in Iron Mountain, Kingsford, Norway, North Dickinson, Niagara and Florence.
Ryan Pepin, vice president of the Dickinson Hospital Foundation, said the move reflects the organization’s commitment to community health and to reducing the long‑term impact of head injuries in youth sports.
Kyle Johnson, head coach at Iron Mountain High School, praised the donation as a tangible step toward safeguarding players and giving families peace of mind.
Beyond the Field
The initiative dovetails with the foundation’s broader health agenda, which includes a fundraising drive aiming to raise $1 million for cancer research in Dickinson County. The effort follows a previous $3 million contribution to the Cancer Center at Marshfield Medical Center.