VALPARAISO, IN – HealthLinc La Porte Pediatrics is marking a successful start, well ahead of its first anniversary, with expanded services, enhanced patient care and strengthened access to pediatric health for families in La Porte County. This achievement was made possible by a $500,000 grant from the Health Foundation of La Porte, which supported the transition of the former Northwest Medical Group Pediatric Care office at 1509 State Street.
Since officially opening under HealthLinc’s operation in December 2024, La Porte Pediatrics has served 5,835 patients through July 31, ensuring children and adolescents have access to comprehensive, compassionate care close to home. Of these patients, 49% were covered by Medicaid, 46% by private insurance and 5% were uninsured, reflecting HealthLinc’s commitment to serving families regardless of their ability to pay.
Over the past year, the clinic has added a third pediatrician, hired a full-time behavioral health counselor, expanded the care team by 12 staff members and transitioned its Michigan City provider to the HealthLinc Michigan City clinic.
“HealthLinc La Porte Pediatrics is a vital resource for local families,” said Melissa Mitchell, HealthLinc CEO. “This first year shows what’s possible when we partner with community organizations like Health Foundation of La Porte to build a healthier future for La Porte’s children.”
The grant has also enabled the clinic to broaden preventive services, integrate behavioral health into pediatric visits and offer special programs such as Prescription for Play and Reach Out and Read. Looking ahead, HealthLinc La Porte Pediatrics plans to introduce new wellness and nutrition programs, expand adolescent health services and strengthen community outreach partnerships.
“We [Health Foundation of La Porte] were happy to provide this funding support during HealthLinc’s transition phase so children in our community could continue to receive quality medical care,” said Eric DeWald, HFL President & CEO. “Maintaining essential pediatric services, like well-child visits, access to immunizations, and quality care when a child is sick, is key to the health of La Porte County families. HealthLinc continues to be a stellar partner in the health and well-being of our community.”
For more information on the grant or the new HealthLinc Michigan City clinic, please contact Jodie Wexelberg at jwexelberg@healthlincchc.org.
About Health Foundation of La Porte
Health Foundation of La Porte (HFL) is a private, independent foundation whose mission is La Porte County residents are healthy and well. Since 2017, HFL has invested more than $49 million in the community. To learn more about HFL, please visit hflaporte.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.
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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.
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