Whether it was organizations donating supplies to local hospitals, clinics, or shelters, new breakthroughs being created to care for patients of all kinds, or businesses being celebrated for protecting, informing, and taking care of others, the health of our Portage community was the focus all 365 days of 2020. Even as our abilities were tested or our hope was questioned, our hearts remained positive, as seen in the hundreds of health-related articles that we produced this year.
In no particular order, here are the top 10 health articles from Portage.Life in 2020:
NorthShore Health Centers celebrates grand opening of Janice E. Wilson Health Center in Portage
With the grand opening of the Janice E. Wilson Health Center, NorthShore Health Centers marked the beginning of a new chapter more than 20 years in the making. The new three-story facility features 63 exam rooms, seven dental operatories, and will offer medical, dental, optometry, women’s health, addiction, chiropractic, pharmacy, and pediatric care.
On Tuesday, Jan. 7, Community Healthcare System’s St. Mary Medical Center cut the ribbon on their newly renovated Wound Care Center in Portage. Located inside the Willowcreek Health Center (3170 Willowcreek Rd), the facility offers advanced treatment options for patients with persistent or slow-healing wounds.
COVID-19 versus the flu: spotting the differences
While flu season is always difficult to navigate, this year has been a bit more complex with the added stress of the global pandemic. Both are respiratory viruses and produce similar symptoms, so waking up with a sore throat or a fever may leave you wondering whether it’s the flu or COVID-19. Understanding the similarities and differences between the two may help you determine which virus you are dealing with.
NorthShore Health Centers’ substance abuse counselors earn award for exemplary care
This year, NorthShore Health Centers’ team of substance abuse counselors was presented with the Indiana Primary Health Care Association’s Special Exemplary Project Award. The award recognizes healthcare providers that impact areas that are often underserved, which is one of NorthShore’s primary focuses, and a natural part of the work done by their substance abuse counselors.
Community Healthcare System’s Stroke & Rehabilitation Center offers national level care
Community Healthcare System is a network of four hospitals and countless professionals who work in tandem to offer expert high-quality care across Northwest Indiana and the southern suburbs of Chicago. The biggest recent addition to their network is the Community Stroke & Rehabilitation Center, a hospital that offers some of the highest level physical, occupational, and speech therapy rehabilitation services in the country.
Porter Regional Hospital is now Northwest Health – unifying three hospitals under one name
Porter Regional Hospital is now Northwest Health - Porter, after CEO Sean Dardeau unveiled a new brand and Healthcare System over a year in the making. The rebrand unifies the Porter Regional, La Porte, and Starke hospitals all under one name, Northwest Health. Additionally, the La Porte Physician Network and Porter Physician Group are now combined into Northwest Medical Group.
No insurance? No problem! Advanced Dental Concepts offers affordable, comprehensive Wellness Plan
No insurance? That is no problem at Advanced Dental Concepts, which offers a comprehensive, in-house Dental Wellness Plan to keep you up to date on your dental essentials at an affordable price.
Franciscan Health in Crown Point hosts groundbreaking ceremony for new hospital
Having first opened in 1974, the existing hospital at Franciscan Health Crown Point has been around for nearly 50 years. After decades of technological advancements in the medical field, it becomes increasingly expensive to update the hospital to fit the standard of today.
Porter-Starke Services is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in our community through prevention, treatment, education, and research. Their full continuum of care serves adults, families, adolescents, and children with mental health or substance abuse issues, and treats all clients on individualized plans of care. One of the many ways Porter-Starke Services brings this mission to life is through their InSHAPE program, which aims to help clients address specific needs to live a healthier lifestyle. Wellness Coordinator Kaitlyn Miller has been involved with the InSHAPE program since its implementation in 2016 and is a witness to the healthy changes it instills in participants.
Rittenhouse Village at Portage puts residents first with SHINE Program
To many, nothing is more important in life than family. This concept is well reflected in the Rittenhouse Village at Portage SHINE program, which is specially designed to help those with dementia illnesses live their best lives.
