Latest news with #NorthwestHealth

Yahoo
06-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Business news: Valpo U's MBA program lauded
The practitioners with Crown Point OB/GYN are now part of Franciscan Physician Network and are accepting new patients, according to a release. The practice includes physicians and nurse practitioners including Dr. Nicole Cataldi, Dr. Mary Eileen McCormack and nurse practitioners Amy Marciniak and Abigail Reardon. Cataldi attended Midwestern University Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine in Downers Grove, Illinois. McCormack also attended medical school at Midwestern University Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her residency at Cook County Hospital in Chicago. Marciniak earned her Master of Science degree in nursing from Purdue University Northwest in Hammond while Reardon earned her Master of Science degree in nursing from Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Illinois. Franciscan Physician Network Obstetrics and Gynecology is located at 800 W. Burrell Drive in Crown Point. Call 219-663-9913. Northwest Health has released its annual Community Benefit Report. The health system provided care to thousands of area residents in 2024, with 884,700 patient encounters across its network of physician offices and other outpatient sites of care, according to a release. In addition to delivering healthcare, Northwest Health's impact totaled an estimated $422,387,000 overall benefit for the region in 2024, the release said. Northwest Health's five emergency rooms provided care in more than 83,000 patient encounters each year, the release said, and provided $57 million in charity and uncompensated care and provided resources to help patients in need of secure medications and medical support devices, the release said. Northwest Health is one of the area's larger employers with a payroll of $284.7 million, the release said. In addition to supporting the local economy through jobs, Northwest Health paid $54.2 million in taxes in 2024, the release said. Dr. Lynn Vattathara, a family medicine physician, is now part of the Franciscan Physician Network and is accepting patients in Cedar Lake, according to a release. Vattathara attended medical school at St. George's University School of Medicine in Grenada, West Indies. He completed his residency in family medicine at Arnot Ogden Medical Center in Elmira, New York, a release said. Vattathara's clinical interests include dermatology, nutrition and fitness, preventative medicine and public health, sports physicals and minor sports injury management. He is accepting new patients at the Cedar Lake Health Center, 6831 W. 133rd Ave. Call 219-374-5970. Valparaiso University's annual Valpo Day, a spirited celebration of the University's mission, that brings together supporters in a day of activities, competition and philanthropy, is planned for April 9, a release said. As VU's largest fundraising event of the year, Valpo Day highlights what it means to be a beacon of light in the community and a champion of the university's legacy, the release said. The university encourages community members to take part in the celebration by visiting the campus as well as sharing Valpo memories using in #ProudToBeValpo, visiting local businesses or making a gift to support university programs. To learn more, visit Valparaiso University has been honored as the top institution in the region for earning an MBA, receiving the 'Best University to Obtain an MBA' award from Northwest Indiana Business Magazine's 2025 Best of Business Awards, a release said. This recognition is based on reader survey responses evaluating the leading business schools across seven categories. The award is one of several acknowledgments Valpo's MBA program has earned for its excellence and impact. Valpo's MBA program prepares students for leadership with a values-driven approach, emphasizing ethical decision-making and global awareness. This 'triple-bottom line' perspective encourages graduates to consider social, environmental, and financial impacts in their careers, the release said. For more information about the Valpo MBA program, visit


Chicago Tribune
06-04-2025
- Health
- Chicago Tribune
Business news: Valpo U's MBA program lauded
Four join Franciscan Crown Point OB/GYN The practitioners with Crown Point OB/GYN are now part of Franciscan Physician Network and are accepting new patients, according to a release. The practice includes physicians and nurse practitioners including Dr. Nicole Cataldi, Dr. Mary Eileen McCormack and nurse practitioners Amy Marciniak and Abigail Reardon. Cataldi attended Midwestern University Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine in Downers Grove, Illinois. McCormack also attended medical school at Midwestern University Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her residency at Cook County Hospital in Chicago. Marciniak earned her Master of Science degree in nursing from Purdue University Northwest in Hammond while Reardon earned her Master of Science degree in nursing from Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Illinois. Franciscan Physician Network Obstetrics and Gynecology is located at 800 W. Burrell Drive in Crown Point. Call 219-663-9913. Report: Northwest Health treated more than 884K patients in '24 Northwest Health has released its annual Community Benefit Report. The health system provided care to thousands of area residents in 2024, with 884,700 patient encounters across its network of physician offices and other outpatient sites of care, according to a release. In addition to delivering healthcare, Northwest Health's impact totaled an estimated $422,387,000 overall benefit for the region in 2024, the release said. Northwest Health's five emergency rooms provided care in more than 83,000 patient encounters each year, the release said, and provided $57 million in charity and uncompensated care and provided resources to help patients in need of secure medications and medical support devices, the release said. Northwest Health is one of the area's larger employers with a payroll of $284.7 million, the release said. In addition to supporting the local economy through jobs, Northwest Health paid $54.2 million in taxes in 2024, the release said. Physician joins Franciscan Health in Cedar Lake Dr. Lynn Vattathara, a family medicine physician, is now part of the Franciscan Physician Network and is accepting patients in Cedar Lake, according to a release. Vattathara attended medical school at St. George's University School of Medicine in Grenada, West Indies. He completed his residency in family medicine at Arnot Ogden Medical Center in Elmira, New York, a release said. Vattathara's clinical interests include dermatology, nutrition and fitness, preventative medicine and public health, sports physicals and minor sports injury management. He is accepting new patients at the Cedar Lake Health Center, 6831 W. 133rd Ave. Call 219-374-5970. Valparaiso University to celebrate Valpo Day on April 9 Valparaiso University's annual Valpo Day, a spirited celebration of the University's mission, that brings together supporters in a day of activities, competition and philanthropy, is planned for April 9, a release said. As VU's largest fundraising event of the year, Valpo Day highlights what it means to be a beacon of light in the community and a champion of the university's legacy, the release said. The university encourages community members to take part in the celebration by visiting the campus as well as sharing Valpo memories using in #ProudToBeValpo, visiting local businesses or making a gift to support university programs. To learn more, visit Valparaiso University MBA program recognized Valparaiso University has been honored as the top institution in the region for earning an MBA, receiving the 'Best University to Obtain an MBA' award from Northwest Indiana Business Magazine's 2025 Best of Business Awards, a release said. This recognition is based on reader survey responses evaluating the leading business schools across seven categories. The award is one of several acknowledgments Valpo's MBA program has earned for its excellence and impact. Valpo's MBA program prepares students for leadership with a values-driven approach, emphasizing ethical decision-making and global awareness. This 'triple-bottom line' perspective encourages graduates to consider social, environmental, and financial impacts in their careers, the release said. For more information about the Valpo MBA program, visit


Chicago Tribune
24-02-2025
- Health
- Chicago Tribune
Community news: Digital detox seminar and Earth Day celebration
Plastic Reduction Alliance of NWI to host symposium In a continued effort to foster environmental sustainability and promote plastic reduction practices within the community, local leaders, educators and environmental advocates will gather to discuss strategies for reducing plastic waste. This symposium will take place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Valparaiso University's Harre Union, Ballroom A, 1700 Chapel Drive, Valparaiso. The event is open to the public. Hosted by the Plastic Reduction Alliance of Northwest Indiana, the program will address the growing concern of plastic pollution and its impact on the environment and public health. Speakers include: Blake Bent, professor of Psychology at Valparaiso University; and Harishini Ratnayaka, Advocacy program manager at Save the Dunes. For those unable to attend in person, the event will be streamed via Facebook Live, allowing remote participants to join the conversation and ask questions. More information is with Julie Peller at or via the Facebook Group 'Plastic Reduction Alliance of NWI.' Northwest Health presents free digital detox seminar Join Katie Sarver, certified intrinsic coach with Northwest Health, as she presents 'Embracing a Digital Detox: Refreshing Your Wellbeing in Today's Digital Society.' This free seminar will be held from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday in the Pine Lake Conference Room at Northwest Health – La Porte, 1331 State St., La Porte. Register at During the presentation, Sarver will explore actionable strategies for reducing screen time, while enhancing mental wellbeing and fostering a healthy relationship with electronic devices. There will be time for questions and answers following the presentation. For more information, call 219-262-6446. Music and culture of Mexico at the VIC's Fourth Friday The Valparaiso International Center (VIC) will feature a presentation on Mexican music and culture by Pancho and Carolyn Rodea from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Friday at Trinity Lutheran Church, 201 N. Washington, Valparaiso. The event will showcase the beauty of the Spanish-speaking world through song, storytelling and cultural insights. The Rodeas regularly perform at Don Quijote Restaurant and at cultural events throughout the region. For more information, contact the VIC at 219-464-1122 or info@ Portage City Hall to hold blood drive The City of Portage in collaboration with the American Red Cross, will host a blood drive from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday in the City Hall Council Chambers, 6070 Central Ave., Portage. Early registration is encouraged at or call 1-800-RED CROSS. NWI Earth Day Celebration registration now open The Recycling and Waste Reduction District of Porter County will host the 17th annual Northwest Indiana Earth Day Celebration from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 12 at the Porter County Expo Center, 215 E Division Road, Valparaiso. The event is free to the public and will feature an array of vendors, guest speakers, document shredding, live music, food and giveaways. The event also will include the Reuse Fair and Rain Barrel Competition amongst local schools. This year's theme is 'Our Power, Our Planet.' Participants are encouraged to incorporate this theme into their booth's display. Registration is currently open for Earth Day vendors and sponsors at Vendors and sponsors will receive promotional benefits based on sponsorship level. For more information, contact Sarah Tubbs at sarah@ or call 219-465-3694. Ivy Tech Community College hosts annual spring fundraiser Ivy Tech Community College will host their 21st annual Spring Fundraiser on March 14 at Aberdeen Manor, 216 Ballantrae, Valparaiso. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. The Marci Gras-themed occasion will feature dinner, dancing, a silent auction and live entertainment from ReTurn2Soul, a six-piece band from Chicago. Tickets are $90; $45 of the ticket price is tax-deductible. Purchase tickets at through March 3. Event proceeds will benefit the Meet the Need initiative to support students. To learn more about the fundraiser and additional ways to support Ivy Tech Community College's mission, contact Cindy Hall at cjhall@