Following two decades of dedicated service under the name Community Healthcare System, a new chapter begins July 1, 2024, with the introduction of Powers Health. This new name marks a strategic evolution, uniting the brand under one clear and distinct identity. While the name changes, the system’s commitment to exceptional, compassionate care remains steadfast.
Not a Merger, but a Unifying Step
Especially in healthcare, a name change can cause concern. Powers Health is an evolution of Community Healthcare System, not a merger or acquisition. It is a deliberate step toward presenting our organization as an integrated system of care — offering seamless and comprehensive services across all facilities.
“We will continue to invest resources throughout Northwest Indiana by building new facilities and expanding services,” said Donald P. Fesko, CEO of Community Foundation of Northwest Indiana, Inc., parent company of Community Healthcare System. “With the support of some of the area’s most talented medical professionals, we are proud to have earned numerous national accreditations and distinguished recognitions for high-quality care and innovative technology.”
Vision and Expertise: Recognizing the Legacy of Donald S. Powers
The new name honors the impactful legacy of Donald S. Powers, a visionary community leader who, along with four land developers, donated five acres and his own funds to help build the flagship Community Hospital that serves as an anchor of the community. His tireless efforts laid the foundation for the strong integrated system.
He was one of the original Directors and President of Community Foundation, which became Community Foundation of Northwest Indiana, Inc. in 2001, parent company of Community Healthcare System.
Powers was dedicated to bringing advanced healthcare services to Northwest Indiana. When his wife was diagnosed with cancer, they had to travel hundreds of miles away from home to receive the higher-level care she needed. He vowed to build a healthcare system so that other families in the area would be able to access specialty care and treatment close to home.
As a Navy fighter pilot, he was proud to fight for our country and community. Known as a decisive, humble leader, he donated his time and resources to numerous charitable organizations.
With numerous healthcare systems – including some in Indiana – also using Community in their names, the name Powers Health establishes a distinct identity, reflecting itself as a leader in advancing healthcare.
Continued Medical Leadership
Powers Health is an integrated system where primary care physicians offer easy access to specialty and advanced care in Northwest Indiana. A few highlights:
• Cancer: Patient-centered, highly advanced breast and lung programs, low-dose CT scans and dedicated nurse navigators.
• Heart: Northwest Indiana’s most comprehensive heart programs, offering advanced treatments such as transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and endovascular aneurysm repair.
• Neuroscience: The full-service program offers a range of specialists in advanced neurological disorders.
• Orthopedics: Total hip and knee replacements, advanced techniques for shoulder surgery and Joint Commission-certified advanced spine surgery.
• Rehabilitation: Extensive subspecialty care, along with advanced diagnostic capabilities for physical therapy, occupational therapy and imaging.
• Stroke: The area’s only Joint Commission-Certified Comprehensive Stroke Center and freestanding inpatient rehabilitation center.
The Benefits of Powers Health Integrating as One System of Care
Here is what patients, employees and other stakeholders can expect to see:
• Unified identity: Powers Health oversees the system’s expertise and patient-centered care approach.
• Shared excellence: Don Powers’ vision lives on, unifying talented medical professionals for better patient outcomes and employee opportunities.
• Sustained reputation: Powers Health will continue to provide high-level care to our patients.
The Hospital Names Remain the Same
The names of the acute care hospitals, Community Hospital, St. Catherine Hospital and St. Mary Medical Center, will not change. They will work together to provide care under Powers Health. The care delivery site names that will change should offer more clarity and consistency across the system. These include:
• Community Stroke & Rehabilitation Center name changes to Powers Health Rehabilitation Center.
• All location-based or hospital-based health center names change to Powers Health Outpatient Center.
• Community Care Network, Inc. name changes to Powers Health Medical Group.
Embracing the Future with Open Communication
Powers Health understands that change can raise questions. Our system is committed to transparent communication and will actively engage with employees, patients and the community throughout this transition.
Please visit COMHS.org/PowersHealth to learn more and for answers to frequently asked questions.
About Powers Health:
As Northwest Indiana’s largest health system with 833 beds, the organization employs nearly 8,000 people across the area. Patients will continue to receive advanced care through Powers Health, fostering healthier individuals and communities. Powers Health hospitals are the area’s leaders in cancer, cardiovascular, neuroscience, orthopedic and stroke care. Locations include outpatient centers, surgical and rehabilitation centers, physician practices, behavioral health, occupational health and home care. Additionally, the healthcare system offers a medically based fitness center – Fitness Pointe, Cancer Research Foundation, Cancer Resource Centre and Hartsfield Village, a continuing care retirement community.
