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

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.