3/29/2017 Registration Deadline for Dining With Diabetes Cooking School

This April and May Starke County Purdue Extension will be partnering with the IU Health Starke Hospital to provide a 5 week Dining with Diabetes cooking school for members of the community.

This program includes:

• Planning meals and snacks with delicious and healthy recipes
• Cooking demonstrations and food sampling
• Motivation and support – connect with others who are living with diabetes
• Ideas for being more active
• An understanding of how diabetes affects your overall health

And so much more! For more information or to register for these classes please call the Extension office at 574-772-9141.

Change in Hospital Ownership Leads to Establishment of Healthcare Foundation of LaPorte

March 3, 2016AuthorMary Perren, WKVI 

The affiliation between Community Health Systems, IU Health and IU Health LaPorte and Starke Hospitals has been finalized.

Indiana University Health is now a minority owner of IU Health LaPorte and Starke Hospitals. They own 20 percent, and CHS subsidiaries own 80 percent. IU Health will share equal governance of the new organization. Officials say this will ensure a local voice is heard in all future decisions.

Part of the agreement is the creation of the Healthcare Foundation of LaPorte (HFL). It’s a new, independent, nonprofit foundation that’s dedicated to empowering residents in and around LaPorte to live healthy and well.

The HFL is initially funded with $106 million from the change in ownership for IU Health LaPorte and Starke Hospitals. It will be managed by a volunteer board of 11 local community members and will focus on improving the health of the local community.

Board members include several former chairs of the LaPorte Hospital Board and several former members of the existing LaPorte Hospital Foundation. Maria Fruth, who currently serves as executive vice president and chief operating officer of the LaPorte Hospital Foundation will become the Chief Operating Officer of the HFL and will oversee all aspects of the local foundation.

The existing foundation’s assets and programs will be combined with the HFL. It will optimize healthy living in LaPorte by focusing on Strategic Thought and Leadership; Grantmaking, Scholarship and Vouchers; and Healthcare Programming. Starting in late 2017, about 5 percent of the value of the HFL’s assets will be used annually to support healthier living through the three strategic areas. That investment is expected to grow over time as fundraising efforts continue, additional proceeds are received and investment strategies are implemented.

“The Healthcare Foundation of LaPorte will be our local voice in healthcare, and we will continue to depend on contributions of time, energy, and funds if we are to create real change,” Fruth said in a statement.

Starke Commissioners Approve Hospital Lease Transfer

Posted onJanuary 27, 2016AuthorMary Perren

 

The soon-to-be new operators of IU Health Starke Hospital now have a signed lease in effect with the county for the facility. The commissioners last night unanimously approved an assignment of lease for the building and the land on which it sits to Knox Hospital Company, LLC. It’s a wholly-owned subsidiary of LaPorte Health Systems, LLC. The assignment of lease is necessary because Tennessee-based Community Health Systems is purchasing 80-percent of the rights to operate the hospital. IU Health will retain the other 20 percent. Starke County Attorney Marty Lucas says such arrangements provide a combination of financial backing and management expertise.

“CHS is asserting it is responsible for the obligation of Knox Hospital, LLC. It has the capability in terms of knowledge of operation, and that you can rely upon that assertion,” Lucas told the commissioners.

The land and building are still owned by the county. CHS has committed to build a $15 million structure between the current hospital building and medical offices within the next five years. Once it’s finished the old building will be torn down and used for parking.

No changes have been made to the lease at this time. Now that it has been transferred to CHS, the county council and commissioners are in a position to consider their request for tax incentives as part of a new land lease arrangement. The current contract expires at the end of September. Hospital and county officials believe a new lease can be worked out before then.

Starke Commissioners Poised to Approve Hospital Lease Assignment

January 26, 2016AuthorMary Perren, WKVI 

The Starke County Commissioners will clear the way for the sale of IU Health Starke Hospital during a special meeting later today. They will formally approve the assignment of the hospital lease to Knox Hospital, LLC during the special-called 4:30 p.m. session. That’s the limited liability company set up by IU Health and Community Health Systems. The Tennessee-based company is in the process of buying IU Health LaPorte and Starke Hospitals.

Starke County owns the hospital and leases it to IU Health. CHS officials say the assignment of the lease needs to be done this week in order to keep the acquisition on track. They’ve expressed a desire to work with the county to switch it to a land lease in order to allow for construction of a new hospital between the current building and doctors offices in what is now the parking lot and helipad at the existing site.

Tentative plans call for construction to start two years after the sale closes later this year and finish in five. The current hospital will stay open until the new building is complete and later be torn down to accommodate parking.

CHS officials have asked the county for some tax incentives as part of the process and said they would like to sign an initial 25-year lease with five 10-year renewal options, for a total of 75 years. Details of those plans still need to be worked out. If they aren’t finalized by the March 31 deadline to renew the current lease, the county commissioners have verbally agreed to a six-month extension of the current terms.

Community Health Systems operates 199 hospitals in 30 states.

IU Health Discusses Methods for Combating Prescription Painkiller Abuse

November 2, 2015AuthorTyler Maffitt, WKVI 

 

IU Health Starke Hospital says it has a framework for managing prescriptions written for pain medication.

U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly last week said medical physicians often don’t receive proper training when it comes to writing prescriptions for pain killers. His efforts, alongside Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, are looking to curtail what is seen as an epidemic in the United States with opioid addiction and abuse.

IU Health Starke Hospital President Craig Felty says Senator Donnelly’s comments are fair.

“The newer medical school grads are more exposed to it and I think that they’re learning a lot more about what dangers and what the long-term sequella of prescribing these medications can be.”

Apart from following Indiana Code for writing prescriptions for pain medication, IU Health Starke Hospital encourages its professionals to utilize Indiana’s INSPECT program. The online portal tracks pain medication prescriptions and locations.

Other methods to manage pain are also introduced to patients. According to Felty, the subjective experience of pain puts medical doctors in a quandary for how to best treat patients.

Felty, however, says patients shop around between doctors to find what they need.

“Most pharmacies, I believe, do now subscribe to INSPECT,” says Felty. “There was a point in time when not all pharmacies were online and so they didn’t realize all the medications that some patients were getting from multiple different physicians.”

Setting expectations for the patient is an important part of IU Health Starke’s approach to pain management.

259-million prescriptions were written in the United States for patients in 2012.

Checkups Encouraged During Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October 5, 2015AuthorMichael Gallenberger, WKVI 

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Josephine Klicek, director of Diagnostic Imaging at IU Health Starke Hospital, says all women age 40 and up should get a mammogram, but younger people should also be doing their own breast exams, “If you find a lump or you find a mass or you have some concerns, that’s an immediate visit to your doctor, absolutely. Sometimes we’re going to choose to do an ultrasound first on someone in their 20s or 30s, but the radiologist who’s the specialist that reads mammography may say, yes, in this case we’re going to go ahead and proceed and do a mammogram.”

She says while family history plays a big part in determining who’ll get cancer, it’s important everyone gets checked out, “Mammography has helped reduce breast cancer mortality in the U.S. by nearly a third since 1990. That’s huge, but we should know that one in six breast cancers occur in women aged 40 to 49 and three-quarters of these women have no family history of breast cancer. That’s what makes a mammogram so important.”

Klicek says it’s easy to get checked out, and the hospital has vouchers available to help with the cost for people who don’t have insurance, “Mammograms are easy now. There’s less radiation. It’s a quick appointment. It takes less than 15 minutes. You don’t need an order from your doctor if you’re over 40. You can call scheduling, schedule it yourself, come right in. We need to know who your doctor is so we can send the results to him or her. And we want to make sure that everybody comes and has a mammogram that is of the age group.”

She also says, while it’s rare, men can also be at risk, “Men do get breast cancer. Although we don’t recommend that men have screening mammograms, we do recommend that men do an exam on their self. Although breast cancer in men is rare, I have seen some. It is one percent of all breast cancer, but of course we all would like it to be zero percent. Where the lump is mostly found in men is behind the nipple. So, you know, while you’re taking your shower it is worth it to go ahead and check.”

For more information or to set up an appointment, call 574-772-1139.

8/29/2015 WoodStarke Returning to Wythogan Park

Published: August 12, 2015 By: Jacque Ryan, WKVI

Just because school is back in session, doesn’t mean the summer fun has to stop. Coming up at the end of August is the second annual WoodStarke in Wythogan Park. The event is hosted by the city of Knox and offers a plethora of activities for all ages with a focus on art, music and health.

This year there will be a center stage for the performers to use which will be located to the left as you enter the park from Water street. Some of the acts included in this year’s show are Other Organs, PS150, Radiate, Seldom Told, South of Sorrow and Wanda Carter who performs bluegrass, gospel and yodeling. Donations are still being accepted to help offset the cost of the center stage. Admission and most other activities at WoodStarke are cost-free so the generosity of the community is what will help defray the cost of the stage.

The remainder of the activities will be more centrally located than last year, in the area around the concession stand. IU Health Starke Hospital will be there providing healthy snacks and drinks. Some of the activities included during the event are a corn-hole tournament, end-of-season farmers market, art in the park, open-mic, and dance lessons.

This year there will also be a Starke County scavenger hunt. A vehicle and cellphone are required for this portion. Register between noon and 3:30 pm to pick up the scavenger list and instructions. The winner will be the one who visited the most sites in the shortest time. Speeding is considered cheating, and is prohibited.

Healthlinc will have a mobile unit on-site offering comprehensive dental evaluations for all ages. Call Healthlinc’s Knox office at 574-772-7400 for information or to schedule an evaluation. Healthlinc also will have an Affordable Care Act navigator available to answer questions.

Starting at 3 pm you can register for the Moving Starke County Forward One Mile At A Time event. The start time for the event is 4 pm and you walk one or more miles around a predetermined one-mile path around the park. Register for a free T-shirt and to enter the drawing for prizes. Walk as much as you like, but only one mile is required to qualify for the prize drawing.

Signs will be posted to direct traffic since the traffic pattern will be changed to ensure the safety of pedestrians. The event begins at 10 am on August 29. Access to the park will temporarily be blocked off to allow Culver Pipes and Drums to march into Wythogan Park. If you’d like to view the opening even arrive prior to 10 am. For more information or to set up a donation, contact MJ Bendt at mjbendt@emarqmail.com or (574)-772-3860.

Starke County Youth Club Honors IU Health Starke Hospital

Published: June 4, 2015

By: Mary Perren, WKVI

IU Health Starke Hospital’s investment in the youth of the community has earned them recognition from the Starke County Youth Club. Executive Director Irene Szakonyi presented IU Health Starke Hospital President Craig Felty the Aim High Award in recognition of the hospital’s top pledge of $5,000 during the recent radiothon. The daylong fundraiser on WKVI raised $41,000 for the club. It provides after school and summer enrichment programs for students from Knox, North Judson-San Pierre and Oregon-Davis schools at sites throughout the county.

Felty says it’s important for the hospital to support the Starke County Youth Club’s work because they are an important proponent of childhood learning and development. He adds the contribution is a good reflection of the mission to improve the health of the hospital’s patients and communities.

The hospital’s commitment to the Starke County Youth Club extends beyond financial support. IU Health Starke Hospital Director of Patient Care Services Janet Gillon serves on the Starke County Youth Club board of directors.

Children in Starke County in kindergarten through 12th grade are eligible to join SCYC. The registration fee for SCYC after-school is $15 per child per year. Scholarships are available for families that cannot afford the fee. For more information, or to make a pledge to the Starke County Youth Club, visit thescyc.org.

Bistro 35 opens at IU Health Starke Hospital

Published: May 22, 2015

By: Mary Perren, WKVI

Starke County’s newest restaurant is in a rather unlikely location. Bistro 35 is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner at IU Health Starke Hospital. The first floor eatery is run by the food and nutrition department at the facility.

Food and nutrition services manager Laura Boyd says it’s a great place to get a quick grab-and-go lunch or sneak away from the office for a break. Wi-fi is available.

Options include a salad bar with grains, fruit salads and pre-made salads, along with spicy black bean burgers, garden sandwiches and wraps. The new café also offers a full-service grill with other burgers and other options. Sauces like Kentucky bourbon, Asian ginger, balsamic onion glaze, parmesan garlic sauce and chipotle glaze can be added to any dish.

Bistro 35 is open for breakfast from 7:30 until 10:30 a.m. The café reopens at 11:30 a.m. for lunch and closes at 7 p.m.

Leadership Starke County Class Graduates

Published: May 7, 2015

By: Mary Perren, WKVI

The Leadership Starke County class of 2014-2015 has graduated. The 15 participants spent the past nine months honing community leadership skills, building self-confidence and interacting with community leaders. The class included a student from each of the county’s three high schools. Members met one day per month at sites throughout the county and learned about local history, geography and culture, the local economy, government, education and social services. Strategic planning and service on boards were also covered.

To date 37 people have taken part in the community leadership training initiative. It is put on each year by the Starke County Chamber of Commerce, Community Services of Starke County and IU Health Starke Hospital. Courses are led by Jim Jessup, who has more than 30 years experience teaching community leadership initiatives, and Starke County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Debbie Mix.

This year’s graduates include Erica Davis from the Starke County Legacy of Women, Knox High School sophomore Katelyn Stacy, Sue McCormack from First Farmers Bank & Trust, Margaret Dalphond from IU Health, Diana Fletcher from IU Health Starke Hospital, Geary Manuel with GB & Sons Transport, Ancilla College student Taylor Kemble, North Judson-San Pierre High School junior Sierria Hale, social worker and student Amye Gourley, community volunteer Jacob Lippner, Oregon-Davis High School senior Jack Minter, college student Davey Johnston, Brandon Collins from the First National Bank of Monterey and Aaron Kochar from Porter-Starke Services.

Enrollment is now open for the next Leadership Starke County class. It begins in September and continues through next May. The $300 cost includes training, food and materials. A partial tuition reduction is available. Contact the Starke County Chamber of Commerce at 574-772-5548 or Community Services of Starke County at 574-772-7070 for more information.

IU Health Starke Hospital Seeks Community Health Needs Input

Published: January 23, 2015
By: Mary Perren, WKVI

Officials at IU Health Starke Hospital want input from members of the community as to the health needs that need to be met. Members of the public are invited to complete a brief online survey, which can be found at www.surveymonkey.com/s/inhealthneedssurvey.

This is a first step to developing new programming. Additional information will be gathered through targeted focus groups later this year. Examples of successful programs developed as a result of these sorts of initiatives are the regional Women’s Fair and numerous other free screenings and other events held throughout the year. A link to the survey is also posted on the hospital’s home page at iuhealth.org/starke.

IU Health Starke Hospital Opens Warming Shelter

Published: January 5, 2015
By: Mary Perren, WKVI

Single digit temperatures pose a threat to health and safety. IU Health Starke Hospital is open as a warming shelter. Anyone needing that service can check in at the registration desk. Food may be purchased in the cafeteria, and patients who take medications will need to bring their own.

If you must be outdoors, wear several layers of loose, warm clothing and keep your head, hands and feet covered. Hypothermia symptoms include stiff muscles, shivering, cold skin and slow breathing. Avoid alcoholic beverages, as they can thin blood. Also do not use extension cords with space heaters and do not use ovens to heat your home.

Visitation Restrictions in Place at Local Hospitals

Published: December 17, 2014
By: Anita Goodan, WKVI

Visitor restrictions are now in place at IU Health Starke Hospital and at IU Health LaPorte Hospital to help prevent the spread of the flu.

An increasing number of flu cases have been reported in the entire state and the policy is in place at many IU-based hospitals statewide.

IU Health Starke and LaPorte hospitals are allowing healthy adults aged 18 and older to visit patients in the hospital. Only two people may visit with a patient at a time. Parents are urged to refrain from bringing children to the hospital as visitors this flu season.

If you are going into the hospital for treatment and have the flu or cold-like symptoms, it is encouraged that you wear a protective mask provided at hospital entrances.

This temporary policy went into place on Monday, Dec. 15 and remains in effect until further notice.

To prevent the flu, wash your hands frequently, cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and stay home if you are sick.

5/7/2014 NJSP & IU Health Athletic Physical Night

NJSP & IU Health present – Athletic Physical Night

Wednesday, May 7, 2014
5-8 p.m. CST
North Judson-San Pierre High School Gym

Student-athletes of all ages can receive an athletic physical for the 2014/15 school year for only $10.

Students from area schools are invited to attend.  The first 100 students will receive a free Powerade drink.  Athletic physicals meet IHSAA requirements.  No appointment needed.

IU Health Starke Hospital to Offer Free Heart Screenings for Student Athletes

By: Anita Goodan
Published: January 17th, 2014

IU Health Starke Hospital is offering free heart screenings to student athletes next week.
The screenings will be conducted on a first come, first served basis. Pre-registration is required and some conditions apply. The tests will take approximately 15 minutes.

Screenings will be offered to all area high school students aged 15 and older at IU Health Starke Hospital on 

• Wednesday, Jan. 22 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. CT; 
• Saturday, Jan. 25 from 8 a.m. to noon CT; 
• Wednesday, Jan. 29 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. CT.

To register, call IU Health Starke Hospital at (219) 326-2309 or 1-800-235-6204 ext. 2626.

Starke County Drug Abuse Symposium

By: Ben Haut, WKVI
Published: April 24th, 2013

In partnership with the Moving Starke County Forward Coalition, IU Health Starke Hospital is looking to address a community crisis through a Drug Abuse Symposium in downtown Knox. The problem of illegal drug abuse, including that of methamphetamine and prescription drugs, is a problem that affects numerous communities throughout Indiana and the nation, and these organizations are looking to make a difference.

The symposium will take place on May 3 at 9 a.m. at the Nancy J. Dembowski Community Center in downtown Knox, featuring Attorney General Greg Zoeller as the keynote speaker. Zoeller has undertaken the responsibilities of being at the forefront of lobbying efforts at both the state and federal levels, taking a more aggressive role in the issue and the search for solutions.

Local law enforcement officials say prescription drug abuse in Starke County is greater than the abuse of illegal substances, though methamphetamine and other drugs – such as heroin – get more publicity.

Zoeller will answer questions following his presentation and a local panel of officials actively associated with the impact of drugs on the local community will share information from their perspective before breaking into smaller groups to attempt to provide innovative ways to bring the drug epidemic under control. The meeting will end in the early afternoon after a lunch provided.

To RSVP for the symposium, call Renay Hochstedler at (574) 772-1102 at IU Health Starke Hospital.

Safe Sitter Course

IU Health Starke Hospital offers a Safe Sitter® class to teach adolescent babysitters how to care for children. The one-day class is offered to those ages 11 and older.

Safe Sitters will learn: babysitting business skills, basic childcare skills, what to do when a child chokes, safety for the sitter and how to call for emergency help. Cost is $50 per babysitter. A parent or guardian must complete a registration form at time of payment. Class size is limited to 10 babysitters.


To register, call 574.772.1171.