VALPARAISO IN – HealthLinc was awarded the American Heart Association’s Gold recognition for excellence in managing type 2 diabetes – a growing health concern across northern Indiana. Type 2 diabetes affects more than 38 million Americans, with local rates at or above state and national averages. HealthLinc’s recognition places it among top-performing health centers nationwide providing high-quality outpatient diabetes care.  

“We are grateful for the recognition,” said Melissa Mitchell, CEO of HealthLinc. “But it’s also a reminder of how much more there is to do. Type 2 diabetes continues to affect too many families in our communities, and HealthLinc is committed to leading the charge in prevention, education and treatment.” 

HealthLinc’s impact comes from truly knowing its patients – and it can make a lifesaving difference. When a longtime patient living with diabetes called in distress, a staff member immediately recognized the voice and the danger. Working with local police for hours, they located the confused patient stranded on a highway and brought them to safety. This quick, compassionate response shows how HealthLinc’s approach to diabetes care goes beyond clinic walls. 

“Every success story represents a patient who has taken control of their health with our support,” says Mitchell. “Our goal is to treat and empower people living with diabetes so they can live a happy, healthy life.” 

In recognition of National Diabetes Awareness Month, HealthLinc is offering free diabetic cooking classes across the region. The classes focus on preparing affordable, healthy meals that support long-term wellness and help families turn nutrition into prevention. Classes are open to all community members, not just HealthLinc patients. 

Upcoming classes include: 

• La Porte: November 13, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. CST at the Health Foundation of La Porte 

• East Chicago: November 19, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. CST at Lincoln Elementary School 

• Knox: November 20, 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. CST at Community Services of Starke County 

• East Chicago: November 21, 10:00 a.m.– 11:30 a.m. CST at Washington Elementary School 

• East Chicago: November 21, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. CST at Joseph L. Block Middle High School 

• Mishawaka: November 24, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. EST at HealthLinc Mishawaka 

More details are available at healthlincchc.org/events. 

For more information on HealthLinc, please contact Jodie Wexelberg at jwexelberg@healthlincchc.org.  

 About HealthLinc 

HealthLinc, Inc. (healthlincchc.org) is a not-for-profit Federally Qualified Health Center that provides primary medical, dental, optometry, and behavioral health services to people of all ages, regardless of a patient’s ability to pay. In 1996, HealthLinc began as Hilltop Neighborhood House, a neighborhood clinic and childcare center in Valparaiso, IN. Since then, HealthLinc has expanded to thirteen clinics and one mobile medical/dental clinic. HealthLinc accepts Medicare, Medicaid, Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) and most commercial insurance plans, and provides care for uninsured patients. Services will be provided on a sliding fee scale based on household size and income, regardless of a patient’s insurance status. 

 HealthLinc Corporate Headquarters are located at 2401 Valley Drive, Valparaiso, IN. HealthLinc clinics span northern Indiana and are in East Chicago, Knox, La Porte, Michigan City, Mishawaka, South Bend and Valparaiso.