BLOG
Pap Screenings: Answering Frequently Asked Questions
A Pap screening, also called a Pap smear, is a screening used to check for abnormalities in a woman’s cervix (the opening of the uterus). Abnormalities in the cells are most often caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is the most common sexually transmitted...
COVID-19 Booster Q&A
Who can get the COVID-19 booster? Right now, everyone 18 years and older is eligible to get the COVID-19 booster shot. HealthLinc recommends everyone get a booster, as COVID-19 cases are on the rise. When can I get the booster? For people who got the J&J COVID-19...
Tips for Managing Type 2 Diabetes During the Holidays
The holiday season is a time of celebration. It is also a time of savory meals and sweets. While it is okay to treat yourself during this time, those with type 2 diabetes should be mindful of their meals. The holidays don’t need to be stressful, though. Stay in...
Health Insurance: Understanding Your Options
Health insurance is one of the many factors that contribute to good health. Having insurance gives you financial security if a medical emergency happens. There are three main forms of health insurance when shopping outside of an employer health insurance plan:...
Annual Mammograms: What You Should Know
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, a month where women are encouraged to schedule their annual mammograms. A mammogram is an x-ray image of the breast and is most often used to look for early signs of breast cancer in women. Mammograms remain the best way to...
Healthy Alternatives to Halloween Candy
Halloween is a fun and exciting time for kids, big and small. But the consequences of eating too many sweets are not. Cavities, weight gain and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes are just a few of the issues linked with eating too much sugar. So instead of...
We create healthy communities.
Same Day Appointments are Available.
For normal and after-hours healthcare advice.
HealthLinc, Inc. receives HHS funding and has Federal Public Health Service (PHS) deemed status with respect to certain health or health-related claims, including medical malpractice claims, for itself and its covered individuals.
Lilia Bonilla - Family Nurse Practitioner
Site Medical Director
Lilia Bonilla is the Site Medical Director and a Nurse Practitioner in Family Medicine. She is board certified with over 19 years of experience as a highly skilled and dedicated family nurse practitioner. Lilia provides comprehensive care for a wide variety of patients with diverse needs. She has extensive experience in family and adult medicine, women’s health and pediatrics. Lilia is a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and American Nurses Association. She also serves as a preceptor and mentor for Nurse Practitioner Residents. Lilia is fluent in both English and Spanish.
Specialties: Family Practice, Women’s Health, Pediatrics
Diana Garcia Burns - Family Nurse Practitioner
Diana Garcia Burns has been serving East Chicago for over 30 years. She is experienced in family medicine, emergency medicine, public health, and administration. Diana is board certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center and is certified in Advanced Life Support, Pediatric Life Support, and Stroke Care. She is currently an instructor for the American Heart Association and a member of the Indiana Nurses Association (INA), American Nurses Association (ANA) and American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).
Specialties: Emergency Medicine, Public and Environmental Health
Dr. Ed S. Hassan - Internal Medicine
Dr. Hassan has practiced medicine on four continents: Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America, giving him a unique perspective to health care. He received additional training in Internal Medicine at Cook County Hospital in Chicago. Dr. Hassan is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and is a member of the American College of Physicians. He is fluent in English, Spanish and Arabic.
Specialties: Hypertension, Diabetes, Asthma, Elevated Blood Cholesterol
Nadine Salman - Family Nurse Practitioner
Nadine Salman delivers patient-centered care from infancy to adulthood by providing education and counseling on health promotion and disease prevention. She serves as an advocate by working in a partnership with patients and families to provide holistic care. Nadine’s passion is to give patients the tools and knowledge to help them make better health choices so they can live longer and healthier.
Specialties: Pediatrics, Disease Prevention, Adult Health and Wellness Promotion
Jessica Sinclair - Clinical Pharmacist
Dr. Carl Toren - Pediatrician
Dr. Toren’s practice is focused on the health of children, both for the present and the future. He partners with families to monitor a child’s growth, development, nutrition, and safety, while following expert guidelines for vaccinations and screenings. If sickness comes, he offers comprehensive examinations, tests to discover the cause and then arranges any necessary treatment and follow-up. Dr. Toren is fluent in both English and Spanish.
Specialties: Pediatric Development, Pediatric Nutrition, Immunizations
Charita Weekly - Family Nurse Practitioner
Charita Weekly’s number one priority is providing excellent, comprehensive health care. She serves the entire family with a focus on promoting health and maintenance. Each approach is age specific to her patient and transitions throughout their life span. With emphasis on disease prevention and wellness, she treats the whole person and assists in achieving a higher quality of life.
Specialties: Family, Medical Examiner for the Department of Transportation, Disease Prevention
Dr. Firas Adhami - Dentist
Dr. Firas Adhami is committed to alleviating the health disparities of the underserved. He is the recipient of the Excellence in Prosthodontics Award from the American College of Prosthodontics. In May 2016, he published an article in the Journal of the American Dental Association entitled “Soft-tissue calcification on a panoramic radiograph.” Dr. Adhami maintains active memberships in the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry.
Specialties: Extractions, Root Canal Therapy, Prosthodontics
April Chaja - Dental Hygienist
LaTonya Cooper - Licensed Clinical Social Worker
HealthLinc, Inc. is a Health Center Program grantee under 42 U.S.C. 254b, and a deemed Public Health Service employee under 42 U.S.C. 233(g)-(n)