Franciscan Health Foundation donates to pet therapy program
The Franciscan Health Pet Therapy Program received a $13,000 boost thanks to a donation from the newly established Franciscan Health Foundation Circle of 1875, according to a release.
The Pet Therapy program, which is conducted entirely by volunteers, is nearly 10 years old and boasts 16 volunteers and 17 dogs. It provides visits for interested patients, family members and staff at Franciscan Health’s Crown Point, Dyer and Munster hospitals as well as the Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) program in Dyer, the release said.
The Circle of 1875 — named for the year the first Franciscan hospital opened in Lafayette — is a women’s giving circle dedicated to supporting Franciscan’s mission and programs in the community. Members pledge to donate a minimum of $1,000 each calendar year. Anyone interested in joining the Circle of 1875 or in learning more about the Franciscan Health Foundation should call 219-661-3401. To learn more about the Pet Therapy Program, call Julie Canady at 219-226-3469.
Northwest Medical adds critical care specialist
Northwest Health has added Dr. Christos Deamont, a pulmonologist, to its staff, a release said.
Deamont brings expertise in diagnosing and treating acute and chronic lung conditions and caring for hospitalized patients in an intensive care unit. He joined the Northwest Medical Group — Pulmonary and Critical Care office at 813 Porter Campus Drive, Suite GH, in Valparaiso.
His specialties include treating conditions including pulmonary disorders, respiratory failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma and allergies, pulmonary hypertension, interstitial lung disease and lung cancer, the release said.
Deamont completed his medical education in the College of Osteopathic Medicine at Michigan State University and his residency at Wellmont Health System – Norton Community Hospital in Norton, Virginia. To schedule an appointment, call 219-464-9054.
Franciscan offering virtual diabetes program
Franciscan Health will host a virtual diabetes prevention program online at 5 p.m. Oct. 1, a release said.
Franciscan Health’s Diabetes Prevention Program follows guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that have been proven to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes.
In the program, groups meet weekly for a total of 16 sessions, prior to six monthly follow-up sessions with a trained lifestyle coach, the release said. The program is only open to participants ages 18 and older who have been diagnosed with prediabetes, not those who have previously been diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. They must also have a body mass index greater than 25. Those who had a previous diagnosis of gestational diabetes or a screening result indicating a high risk of type 2 diabetes are also eligible to participate.
The year-long program costs $99. Registration is required and space is limited. To register, complete the DPP Qualifying Questionnaire online, at https://franciscanhealthcare.formstack.com/forms/test_form_with_amy.
PNW professor named Fulbright Specialist
Purdue University Northwest faculty member, Magesh Chandramouli, professor of Computer Graphics Technology in the College of Technology, has been named a U.S. Fulbright Specialist, according to a release.
Chandramouli will spend three weeks in December at Politecnico di Torino (Polytechnic University of Turin) in Turin, Italy, collaborating with faculty on enhancing the university’s ability to train aerospace engineers, the release said. While in Italy, Chandramouli will conduct faculty and student workshops and assist in the development of training programs.
In addition to Chandramouli’s visit to Turin in December, two students from Politecnico di Torino will spend two months in the fall with PNW’s College of Technology conducting research.
The U.S. Fulbright Specialist program is part of the larger Fulbright program and aims to foster mutual understanding between the U.S. and other countries through international educational and cultural exchange.
Physician joins Franciscan in Crown Point
Dr. Latifa Barti is now part of the Franciscan Physician Network and is accepting new patients in Crown Point, according to a release.
Barti earned her medical degree from the American University of Antigua in Saint John’s, Antigua. She completed her residency in family medicine in Chicago at Mount Sinai Hospital and Holy Cross Hospital.
Her clinical interests include medical weight management in pediatric and adult populations; alcohol use/tobacco use disorder treatment and lifestyle medicine with implementation of physical activity, healthy nutrition and proper sleep, a release said.
Barti is accepting new patients at the Winfield Health Center, 11161 Randolph St. in Crown Point. Call 219-662-9424.
Franciscan hosting car seat safety event
Franciscan Health is hosting a free car seat safety event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 27 for Indiana residents at the Franciscan Health Michigan City Legacy Campus, located at 301 W. Homer St., Michigan City, a release said.
.The event is co-hosted by the Trauma Services Department and the Prenatal Assistance Program. A nationally certified child passenger safety technician will teach participants how to properly install a car seat. The child who uses the car seat must be present at the appointment for the technician to provide appropriate guidance, the release said.
The car seat safety check is free, but reservations are required. Call 219-488-1380.
Influential Women winners to be announced
The 14th-annual Influential Women of Northwest Indiana Awards Banquet, sponsored by Northwest Indiana Influential Women Association, is set for 5-8:30 p.m. Sept. 25 at Avalon Manor in Merrillville, according to a release.
Winners from a pool of 250 finalists from many of the region’s leading companies and organizations will be announced during the event. The finalists were selected from more than 500 nominations, submitted by their peers and members of the public, the release said.
Two winners, one Influential Woman winner and one Up and Coming winner, will be selected in each of 13 industry categories. Awards will also be given to the overall Influential Woman of the Year and Up and Coming Woman of the Year. Special awards will be given for Community Leader of the Year and Supporter of the Year.
Visit nwiiwa.org for more information, to view a complete list of 2025 finalists, and to purchase tickets to the banquet.
