Gary, Indiana (October 20, 2023) – Edgewater Health is pleased to announce a public open house celebration at the new Merrillville Clinic located at 5495 Broadway in Merrillville, IN. The open house will take place on Saturday, October 28, 2023, from 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm.  

All are welcome as this is also the perfect time to introduce Chiedu Nchekwube, MD, FAAFP, ABIHM, who recently joined the new Merrillville primary care practice. 

This free, family-friendly event will be held at the 5495 Broadway location and includes mini lectures by Dr. Nchekwube such as The Ten Mindsets of Happy & Healthy People, blood pressure and glucose screenings, BMI readings, bouncy house, trunk-or-treat, free food, raffles, prizes, fun and games for every age.  

Dr. Danita A. Johnson, President and CEO, Edgewater Health, is pleased to welcome Dr. Nchekwube, who has already begun to see patients in Merrillville. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Nchekwube into the Edgewater fold. His extensive experience in integrative medicine, coupled with his deep roots in the community are in strong alignment with our approach to culturally responsive, whole person care,” said Dr. Johnson. “We invite everyone to come out and meet him during the open house on October 28.” 

Dr. Nchekwube graduated from Howard University College of Medicine in Washington, D.C. He completed his residency at Indiana University, and an internship at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan, before settling in northwest Indiana. He is board certified in Family Medicine. 

He is also the founder of The Wellness Shoppe, an online and brick-and-mortar retailer where patients have access to high quality vitamins and pharmaceutical grade supplements that have been third-party tested for purity and quality.  

“I have dedicated my career to family medicine and finding ways to helping people become the best versions of themselves through cultivating healthy habits of mind, body, and spirit. I am excited to join so many respected colleagues in the Edgewater Health system. I look forward to continuing the work in an environment with a commitment to integrative health care,” said Dr. Nchekwube. 

The public is invited to meet Dr. Nchekwube and other members of the Edgewater Health primary care team, including Laresse Harris, DNP at the open house event on October 28 from 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm. For more information or to make an appointment with Dr. Nchekwube or Laresse Harris, call 844-4-Edgewater (844-433-4392). Learn more at 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.  

Thursday, October 19, 12 – 1 p.m.

Join us for a thoughtful discussion on grief and beginning your healing journey at our next Mind, Body & Spirit talk. Tara Robertson will present on her own journey to healing on Thursday, October 19 from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. at Edgewater Health. You won’t want to miss this powerful talk!

Edgewater Health will be hosting a Job Fair on Wednesday, October 11th from 11:00AM – 3:00 PM at our main building location: 1100 West 6th Avenue Gary, IN 46404.

Interviews and possible hiring offers on the spot!

GARY, IND. (September 28, 2023) – Edgewater Health (EH) has announced a recent clinic move from the University Park location at 3535 Broadway, Gary, Ind., 46408 to a new location at 5495 Broadway in Merrillville, Ind. This location in Merrillville opened in mid-September.  

“The move from our University Park clinic to the new Merrillville location will allow us to serve more patients in an expanded geography,” said Dr. Gerri Browning, Edgewater Health’s Chief Medical Officer. “With the introduction of this new location also comes a strong addition to our team as we welcome Dr. Chiedu Nchekwube to our primary care family. We know he has a longstanding reputation in the community for helping patients and building lasting relationships.” 

Chiedu Nchekwube, MD, FAAFP, ABIHM graduated from Howard University College of Medicine in Washington, D.C. He completed his residency at Indiana University and an internship at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan, before settling in northwest Indiana. He is board-certified in Family Medicine. 

He is joined at the Merrillville Clinic location by Laresse Harris, DNP. 

“I’m excited to join Edgewater Health at this new clinic,” shared Dr. Nchekwube. “My practice focuses on family medicine and assisting patients with simple, natural and effective ways to care for themselves and maintain wellness.” 

This new Merrillville Clinic also features The Wellness Shoppe, which offers patients access to high-quality vitamins and pharmaceutical-grade supplements. 

Those interested in scheduling an appointment with Dr. Nchekwube or Harris should call 844-4-Edgewater (or simply dial 844-433-4392). Visit edgewaterhealth.org to learn more.  

About Edgewater Health 

Edgewater Health (EH) is northwest Indiana’s full-service partner for culturally competent, high-quality primary care and behavioral health services. EH’s approach to caring for the whole person begins with health screenings and assessments, and then extends to integrated and specialized care. Across ten different locations, EH can assist patients with addiction and opioid treatment, inpatient services, outpatient services, adult residential services and more.   

EH originated in 1974 as the Gary Community Mental Health Center and has grown steadily in response to the community’s needs. In 2015, EH established the Rapid Access Center, the only one of its kind in the state of Indiana, and it achieved Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike status under the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) in 2019. Then, in 2022, an EH Clinic opened in Cedar Lake, providing primary care with a focus on women’s health, prenatal and gynecological care. Next year, in 2024, EH will celebrate 50 years of excellence at its annual gala.  

EH participates in the VA’s Substance Treatment and Recovery (STAR) model for active duty and veteran service members. EH is also accredited by The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). Learn more about EH at edgewaterhealth.org. 

Thursday, September 21: 12 – 1 p.m.

Join us for a transformative presentation on Advocating for the Voiceless, learn what it means to speak up for those who can not speak for themselves. At our next Mind, Body & Spirit talk Eve Gomez will present “Advocating for the Voiceless,” where she shares how she helps bring a voice to those who have been silenced. Join us on Thursday, September 21 from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. at Edgewater Health.

The choices we make in what we eat affect us in many ways. When you eat, you should be mindful of the importance of fueling your body, rather than feeding until you’re full. At our next Mind, Body & Spirit presentation, Dr. Chiedu Nchekwube will present “Eat to Live! Are You Feeding or Fueling?” Please join us on Thursday, August 17 from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. at Edgewater Health.

The Faith Food is Medicine Program is a nutrition program that provides access to fresh fruits and vegetables to patients experiencing chronic disease and/or disorders. This program allows residents with specific health conditions to receive free, locally grown produce every week.

Lighten your mood by attending Edgewater Health’s next Mind, Body & Spirit talk! Presenter Dezi’mon Alicea will speak on Cultivating Happiness” at our next Mind, Body & Spirit Talk.

Farmer’s markets will be held on select Thursdays from 11:00am – 2:00pm.
Stop by to purchase fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables at wholesale prices!

Sign up to attend our free, six-week Healthy H.E.A.R.T. Program! Each week, a different topic is discussed that will educate participants on how to care for their cardiovascular health. Register today!