News
HealthLinc Mobile Clinic Will Bring Smiles To East Chicago
March 14, 2014
HealthLinc CEO Beth Wrobel certainly knows how to bring a smile to the residents of East Chicago.
How, you ask?
By delivering a state-of-the-art Dental/Health Mobile Clinic right to the front doors of our schools, homes, and community centers in East Chicago and Northwest Indiana.
Bolstered by a $500,000 grant secured by U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky, D-Merrillville, Wrobel was joined by East Chicago Mayor Anthony Copeland and Visclosky this week as she unveiled this wonderful machine on the steps of City Hall, much to the delight and cheers of the mayor, local residents and area teachers who see the need for more convenient and affordable health care.
“The new mobile health center will be a blessing to those who have limited access to care,” St. Catherine Hospital CEO JoAnn Birdzell said.
What is HealthLinc, and how do you access their services?
HealthLinc is a Federally Qualified Community Health Center with a mission of enriching lives by providing access to patient-centered, quality health care. HealthLinc services include primary and preventative care, health and wellness education, prenatal care, women and men’s health services, wellness checks and immunizations, dental services, etc.
The timing for not only the mobile health clinic, but also HealthLinc’s new location at 100 W. Chicago Ave. in East Chicago, could not be better for Northwest Indiana.
When the United Health Foundation released its annual state rankings in December, Indiana found itself near the bottom of the list for health care, at No. 41. High smoking rates, obesity, and low funding for public health puts Indiana near the bottom nationwide when it comes to health care.
HealthLinc has recognized the need for affordable health care, high quality housing, nutrition, child care, etc, and is committed to improving the Calumet Region’s quality of life.
Wrobel, since taking on the role of HealthLinc CEO in 2002, has transitioned Healthlinc from a small organization with one location and four employees to a six-location agency with more than 200 employees. The former NIPSCO engineer had a calling, and it was certainly a benefit to the residents of Northwest Indiana that she chose health care as her new direction.
To arrange an appointment with HealthLinc, call (219) 398-9685 or (888) 580-1060 to get started.
Dave Ryan is the executive director of the Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce. The opinions expressed are his own. He can be reached at dryan@lakeshorechamber.com or (219) 931-1000
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