Gary, Indiana (April 18, 2024) – On June 1, 2024, Edgewater Health, northwest Indiana’s full-service partner for culturally competent, high-quality integrated primary care and behavioral health services across 10 locations, will host a gala celebrating 50 years of excellence in healthcare. The event will take place at Duneland Falls Banquet and Meeting Center in Chesterton, Indiana. Caring in the Key of Life recounts five decades of milestones and honors those who have inspired the organization’s approach to making a difference.

Roosevelt Haywood III, President/CEO, Haywood and Fleming Associates, is one such individual. Haywood will be recognized during the VIP reception as the inaugural recipient of the Circle of Excellence award. Dr. Danita Johnson-Woods had this to say: “We established the Circle of Excellence to salute individuals demonstrating distinction in business, philanthropy, and the highest caliber of community engagement. Roosevelt is a second-generation insurance professional who has a 40-year history of leading prestigious national industry associations; he is much sought after for his leadership and sharp insights, and he is widely known for his character. This honor celebrates excellence, longevity, respect, compassion, and commitment to our mission. Roosevelt embodies these ideals to the nth degree.”

Haywood and Fleming Associates (HFA), established in 1984, is a leading risk management firm with focused expertise in commercial insurance and employee benefits. HFA has developed considerable skills and experience in servicing the needs of large and complex entities in the private and public sectors; however, Haywood learned the business under his father’s tutelage decades earlier and the family legacy continues. “We are deeply honored and grateful to Dr. Johnson-Woods for recognizing Roosevelt and our firm’s dedication and hard work. I have had the privilege of working alongside him for 30 years out of the 40 years that our firm has existed. His passion and commitment to the insurance industry and our partners in the City of Gary and Lake County are unwavering,” said Leslie L. Skinner-Leslie, VP of Marketing and Operations at Haywood and Fleming Associates.

Haywood’s record of servant leadership is legendary. Organizations such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana (Past Vice Chairman), the Gary Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Northwest Indiana (Past Board President), and the Indiana University Neal-Marshall Alumni Club (Executive Council) are just a few of the causes that have benefitted from his leadership.

“At our firm, we strongly believe in investing in and giving back to our community. Edgewater Health, a beacon of hope in Northwest Indiana, has been instrumental in promoting care for the mind, body, and spirit, enriching lives, and improving conditions. We are proud to be associated with an organization that makes a difference,” Skinner-Leslie stated.

For more information on ways to get involved in the 50th anniversary celebration, visit www.edgewaterhealth.org/50th or call Tara Robertson at (219) 885-2464, ext. 2312.

About Edgewater Health

Edgewater Health celebrates 50 years of healthcare excellence in 2024. Originated in 1974 as the Gary Community Mental Health Center, Edgewater Health is Northwest Indiana’s full-service partner for culturally competent, high-quality primary care and behavioral health services. Our approach to caring for the whole person begins with health screenings and assessments and extends to integrated and specialized care including addiction and opioid treatment, inpatient, outpatient, and adult residential services in 10 locations. 50 years since our inception, Edgewater Health established the first crisis stabilization center in the State of Indiana (2015); achieved Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike status under HRSA (2019); opened a clinic in Cedar Lake to focus on women’s health (2022), and a clinic in Merrillville (2023) focused on family health. In 2023, Edgewater Health became the community backbone organization for My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) Lake County, IN, to address persistent opportunity gaps facing boys and young men of color. MBK is part of the national MBK Alliance, a nationwide, non-partisan initiative of the Obama Foundation. Edgewater Health participates in the VA’s Substance Treatment and Recovery (STAR) model for active duty and veteran service members. Edgewater Health is accredited by The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). Visit us at edgewaterhealth.org.

Thursday, April 18, 12 – 1 p.m.

Recovering from a traumatic or painful experience can be challenging. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed or encounter a host of emotions when you’re attempting to bounce back to some sense of normalcy. Join us on Thursday, April 18, from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. at Edgewater Health as Shine Recovery Cafe’s Executive Director Sade Carrasquillo and Resource Specialist Daveed Holmes share the most crucial elements of “Embracing the Road to Recovery.”

Join us Thursday, April 18, from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. at Edgewater Health.

LAKE COUNTY (April 2, 2024) Lake County leaders from the areas of law enforcement, law, medical, education, social service and mental health have united to help bring a powerful opportunity to create change in the lives of boys and young men of color.

A press conference is scheduled for April 9th beginning at 10 a.m. at Purdue Northwest Extension located at 2291 N. Main St. in Crown Point (directly across from the Lake County Government Center, where My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) Lake County will be introduced.

The MBK Alliance is a national initiative formed by President Barak Obama in response to Trayvon Martin’s tragic death to address opportunity gaps that exist for boys and young men of color. MBK aims to address disparities and create opportunities for young men and boys of color and has a proven track record of making positive impact on the lives of young men in communities across the country.

One of the key tenets of MBK is that every young person deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential. Unfortunately, many young men of color in Lake County face systemic and structural obstacles that can prevent them from accessing the resources they need to succeed. “By establishing an MBK county-wide presence, we can create a network of support and mentorship that can help these young men navigate these challenges and realize their dreams,” said MBK Champion and Lake County Prosecutor Bernard A. Carter. “Providing young men and boys of color the support, resources and opportunities they need to succeed, we can help to build a brighter future for all residents of Lake County,” Carter added. “We are proud to partner with Edgewater Health and Dr. Danita Johnson-Woods, CEO, who serves as the community backbone organization for this important initiative.”

“The MBK approach includes six milestones that research shows are predictive of later success and where interventions can have the greatest impact:

Milestone 1: Entering School Ready to Learn
Milestone 2: Reading at Grade Level by Third Grade
Milestone 3: Graduate from High School
Milestone 4: Complete Post-Secondary Education or Training
Milestone 5: All Youth out of School are employed
Milestone 6: All Youth Remain Safe from Violent Crime

Currently, Lake County MBK has identified three milestones to focus on initially: Milestone 1 Entering School Ready to learn and Milestone 2 Reading at Grade Level by Third Grade are chaired by retired pediatrician and Founder of the Gary Literacy Coalition Dr. Steve Simpson. Milestone 5 Complete Post-Secondary Education and Training is co-chaired by Jose G. Valtierra and Marcus Williams,” said Johnson-Woods.

One of the most powerful aspects of My Brother’s Keeper is its focus on building strong relationships between young men and caring adult mentors. Research has shown that young people who have a supportive adult in their lives are more likely to succeed academically, professionally, and personally. “By connecting young men in Lake County with mentors who can provide guidance, encouragement, and support, we can help them build the skills and confidence they need to thrive,” Carter said. I believe that the presence of MBK in Lake County could have a significant and lasting effect on our community,” Carter concluded.

Residents of Lake County are more than welcome to attend. Please email Myrna Maldonado at mmaldonado@lakepros.org

Thursday, March 21, 12 – 1 p.m.

As women, we know how busy life can be! Whether we’re taking care of our children, continuing our education, or dealing with a demanding career, we juggle so many different priorities. At our next Mind, Body & Spirit talk, Dr. Deborah McCullough will have tips for “Empowering Women Toward Better Health!”

Join us Thursday, March 21, from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. at Edgewater Health.

Edgewater Health Honors Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch and Attorney Kenneth J. Allen at 50th Anniversary Gala on June 1st 

Gary, Indiana (February 13, 2024) – In 1974, Edgewater Health began providing mental health and addiction services to residents in Gary, Indiana. Since that time, the organization has evolved into northwest Indiana’s full-service partner for culturally competent, high-quality primary care and behavioral health services across 10 locations. On June 1, 2024, Edgewater Health will host a gala celebrating 50 years of excellence in healthcare. The event will take place at Duneland Falls Banquet and Meeting Center at 6:30 pm in Chesterton, Indiana. 

“Fifty years is a significant milestone and an opportunity to celebrate decades of accomplishments that continue to have a life-changing impact on our friends, families, employees, and neighbors,” said Dr. Danita Johnson, CEO, of Edgewater Health. “Whether it be the delivery of integrated and specialized care services including addiction and opioid treatment, inpatient, outpatient, or adult residential services, Edgewater Health continues to have a strong hold in the community. We are extremely proud of our journey, and excited about our positioning for the next 50 years,” Johnson said. 

Lieutenant Governor Suzanne Crouch will be honored on June 1st for her record on improving outcomes for the 1 in 5 Hoosiers and their families who struggle with mental health.

“Lt. Governor Crouch established the Indiana Mental Health Roundtable bringing together influential stakeholders to move the needle on improving access and affordability and strengthen delivery systems. Her commitment to these issues is undeniable, her leadership is pivotal, and her transparency about the impact on her own family is inspiring,” Johnson shared.

Crouch revealed deeply personal testimony in front of the State Senate Appropriations Committee last January in support of the expansion of mental health services in Indiana. “Her voice,” stated Johnson, “rings through and true.” 

Attorney Kenneth J. Allen, founder of the Kenneth J. Allen Law Group and Gary, Indiana native will be honored for his longstanding service to the community and the priority he places on education. “We are thrilled to recognize Attorney Allen for his servant leadership,” said  Johnson. “He knows firsthand what it means to get in the arena and fight for those who do not have the capacity or resources to fight for themselves – through the law, or on the ground in the community.” Allen is recognized widely for the priority he places on education and humanitarian efforts. Education is at the center of Edgewater Health’s work as well. The organization is often on the front lines working in schools to provide crisis response and counseling services to students and staff.  

“Ken epitomizes the highest standards and practices. We are pleased to recognize him for his consistency and excellence in making a difference in the lives of everyday people,” Johnson declared.  

For more information on ways to get involved in the 50th anniversary celebration, visit www.edgewaterhealth.org.  

About Edgewater Health 

Edgewater Health celebrates 50 years of healthcare excellence in 2024. Originated in 1974 as the Gary Community Mental Health Center, Edgewater Health is Northwest Indiana’s full-service partner for culturally competent, high-quality primary care and behavioral health services. Our approach to caring for the whole person begins with health screenings and assessments and extends to integrated and specialized care including addiction and opioid treatment, inpatient, outpatient, and adult residential services in 10 locations. 50 years since our inception, Edgewater Health established the first crisis stabilization center in the State of Indiana (2015); achieved Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike status under HRSA (2019); opened a clinic in Cedar Lake to focus on women’s health (2022), and a clinic in Merrillville (2023) focused on family health. In 2023, Edgewater Health became the community backbone organization for My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) Lake County, IN, to address persistent opportunity gaps facing boys and young men of color. MBK is part of the national MBK Alliance, a nationwide, non-partisan initiative of the Obama Foundation. Edgewater Health participates in the VA’s Substance Treatment and Recovery (STAR) model for active duty and veteran service members. Edgewater Health is accredited by The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). Visit us at edgewaterhealth.org. 

Thursday, February 15, 12 – 1 p.m.

Everyone must contend with forgiveness at one point or another. Through cultivating healing and personal growth, we all can learn that forgiveness is the art of happiness. At our next Mind, Body & Spirit talk, Dr. Tanya Rogers will present on “Forgiveness: The Art of Happiness.”

Join us Thursday, February 15, from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. at Edgewater Health.

Thursday, February 1, 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm CST (via Zoom)

Join Edgewater Health for a virtual “Let’s Talk” forum. We’ll be addressing barriers of care for the LGBTQ+ community, focusing on stigma, safety, and support. Representatives from Edgewater Health, Purdue University, Aliveness Project of NWI, and Northwest Indiana Health Disparities will be discussing mental health and current disparities of care. A zoom link will be provided for those that register by end of day on Tuesday, January 30th.

To register, please contact LaTanya Woodson at 219-885-4264 ext: 4704 or by email at lwoodson@edgewaterhealth.org.

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January is the perfect time to reflect on your goals. Having a clear personal vision can help you to achieve those goals, be they personal, professional, or otherwise. At our next Mind, Body & Spirit talk, Chelsea Whittington will present on “Living Your Vision.”

Join us Thursday, January 18, from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. at Edgewater Health.

Edgewater Health expanded its footprint to include a new clinic in Merrillville last week and marked the occasion with a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house at the 5495 Broadway location. Dr. Danita Johnson, President and CEO, Edgewater Health, greeted guests at the standing room only ribbon cutting event which took place on Thursday, October 30th.

The ceremony was attended by Edgewater Health board members, elected officials, community leaders, and representatives from the Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce. “Edgewater Health is gearing up to celebrate 50 years of healthcare excellence in 2024. Opening our new family medicine and integrative medicine clinic here in Merrillville, on the threshold of that accomplishment, is a significant milestone,” Dr. Johnson said. 

Jose Lupe Valtierra, Edgewater Health’s board chair, had this to say,  “I am incredibly proud to have witnessed Edgewater’s growth, from its beginnings in behavioral care services to its expansion into family medicine, its opening of the Cedar Lake clinic in 2021 with an emphasis on family medicine and women’s health, and now, this new enterprise into Merrillville. I am proud to play a role in an organization that can boast 50 years of steady growth and give-back to the community.” 

Picture from L to R: Deann Patena, Jerome Ezell, Bernard Carter, Laresse Harris, DNP, Richard Hardaway, Deanna Prince, Senator Lonnie Randolph, IN-District 2, Dr. Danita Johnson, Dr. Chiedu Nchekwube, Carol Cody, Tracy Williams, Jose “Lupe” Valtierra, Colleen Ramquist, Larry Brewer, Michael Griffin, and Reggie Robinson. 

Deann Patena, President and CEO of Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce, was present to speak to the importance of the practice in Merrillville and to lend a hand in the ceremony. As one of Crossroad’s newest members, Edgewater Health joins the largest chamber in northwest Indiana with over 700 members. 

The celebration continued Saturday, October 28th, at a  free, family-friendly open house event.  Community members were able to take advantage of blood glucose, blood pressure, and BMI screenings. Trunk-or-treaters donned costumes and lined up for face painting, while their parents and friends practiced meditation and learned the ten habits of happy and healthy people delivered in a lecture by none other than Dr. Nchekwube. No stranger to the Merrillville community, Dr. Nchekwube, along with Laresse Harris, DNP, will be the lead providers at the new location. 

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Nchekwube, call 844-4-Edgewater (844-433-4392) and speak to one of our friendly receptionists. 

For more information about Edgewater Health, visit www.edgewaterhealth.org. 

Edgewater Health 

Edgewater Health is northwest Indiana’s full-service partner for culturally competent, high-quality primary care and behavioral health services. Our approach to caring for the whole person begins with health screenings and assessments and extends to integrated and specialized care that may include addiction and opioid treatment, inpatient, outpatient, and adult residential services in 10 locations. Edgewater Health originated in 1974 as the Gary Community Mental Health Center and has grown steadily in response to the community’s needs. In 2015, Edgewater Health established the Rapid Access Center, the only one of its kind in the state of Indiana. In 2019, Edgewater Health achieved Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike status under the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA). In 2022, Edgewater Health Clinic opened in Cedar Lake to provide primary care with a focus on women’s health, prenatal, and gynecologic care. In 2024, we will celebrate 50 years of excellence at our annual gala. Edgewater Health participates in the VA’s Substance Treatment and Recovery (STAR) model for active duty and veteran service members. Edgewater Health is accredited by The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). Visit us at edgewaterhealth.org.