Franciscan Crown Point offering heart valve replacement surgery
Franciscan Health Crown Point is now offering patients with aortic valve stenosis a minimally invasive valve replacement procedure that speeds recovery time, according to a release.
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a minimally invasive treatment for aortic valve stenosis, a narrowing of the aortic valve that blocks the flow of blood to the body, requiring the heart to work harder, the release said.
While transcatheter aortic valve replacement or TAVR is new to Franciscan Health Crown Point, it is not new to Dr. J. Michael Tuchek, who was involved in the original FDA trials for TAVR, teaches how to perform the procedure and serves as a U.S. proctor on the subject, the
release said. For information, call 219-488-1508.
Twisted Sugar to open Schererville location
Twisted Sugar recently opened its third location at 1508 U.S. 41 in Schererville, according to a release.
Other locations are in Crown Point and Valparaiso.
Twisted Sugar offers freshly baked cookies daily, a unique and creative menu, monthly specials and a wide variety of mixed drinks with more than 100 combinations, the release said.
Twisted Sugar looks forward to partnering with local schools and businesses to create fun and engaging experiences for kids, such as bringing cookies to classrooms and reading cookie-themed books, the release said.
For more information, email schererville@twistedsugar.com
Franciscan Health Dyer bariatric center honored
Franciscan Health Dyer was recently named Bariatric Centers of Excellence (COE) by Optum, according to a release.
Bariatric departments belonging to the Optum bariatric COE program perform more successful bariatric procedures than many other facilities nearby, the release said.
Bariatric services are an increasing need in the U.S. Obesity affects more than a third of Americans and is the second leading cause of preventable death in the United States, the release said.
Those interested in scheduling a consultation at Franciscan Midwest Bariatric Institute Dyer, 24 Joliet St. in Dyer can call 219-852-2518
Methodist Hospitals gets top rating for racial inclusivity
Methodist Hospitals has been recognized by a non-partisan health care think tank for outstanding social responsibility, receiving an “A” grade on the 2024-25 Lown Institute Hospitals Index, a release said.
Methodist achieved this honor through strong performance across metrics of health equity, patient outcomes, and value of care, out of more than 3,600 hospitals nationwide.
Methodist ranked No. 8 out of 71 acute care hospitals in Indiana on the Social Responsibility Index, and is ranked No.1 in the state and the top 10 nationwide on racial inclusivity, the release said.
According to the Index, the hospital also ranked No. 5 in Indiana in Health Equity and received “A” grades on its patient outcomes and cost efficiency metrics.
The Lown Hospitals Index for Social Responsibility is the only ranking to combine metrics of health equity and value of care alongside patient outcomes, for more than 2,700 acute care and 800 critical access hospitals nationwide – offering a holistic view of hospitals as total community partners, the release said.
MAAC Foundation receives $2,000 grant from Legacy Foundation
The MAAC Foundation recently accepted a $2,000 grant funded by Legacy Foundation’s Lake County Community Sponsorship Fund, according to a release.
The contribution will support the upcoming First Responders Appreciation and Demonstration Day, set to take place Sept. 14 at the MAAC Foundation First Responder Training Campus.
The First Responders Appreciation and Demonstration Day is a free family-friendly event with demonstrations, interactive exhibits and activities designed to showcase the skills and technologies used by emergency personnel.
Dyer, Munster Franciscan locations hosting school supply, cereal drive
The Mission Committee of Franciscan Health Dyer and Franciscan Health Munster hospitals is hosting a school supply and cereal drive aimed at assisting local Catholic school students, according to a release.
Items such as boxes of dry cereal (for breakfasts before school), backpacks, pens, pencils, notebooks, markers, colored pencils, crayons, scissors, glue sticks, erasers, highlighters, folders,
binders, index cards, headphones, filler paper, printer paper, pencil cases, rulers, dry-erase markers and other school supplies are being accepted, the release said.
Donations will benefit students attending St. John Bosco School in Hammond, St. Casimir School in Hammond, St. Stanislaus School in East Chicago, Bishop Noll Institute in Hammond and St. Thomas More School in Munster.
The back-to-school and cereal drive will take place through July 22 at Franciscan Health Dyer at 34 Joliet St. and Franciscan Health Munster at 701 Superior Ave. The public may drop items off at the main entrances to both hospitals during visiting hours from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, the release said.
Regional Health Systems celebrate Crisis C.A.R.E. Unit
Regional Health Systems’ Merrillville Care Center celebrates the ribbon cutting on Tuesday of the Crisis C.A.R.E. (Crisis, Access, Receiving, Engagement) Unit. The Crisis C.A.R.E. Unit will have staff on-site 24 hours per day. The facility includes crisis staff, Certified Recovery Specialists, and on-site therapists.
The event takes place from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Regional Health Systems Merrillville Care Center, 8555 Taft St., Merrillville.
The program is made possible through grants from the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration’s Division of Mental Health and Addiction; the Federal American Rescue Plan Act; and National Opioid Settlement.
