Northwest Health Shares Annual Community Benefit Report

3/27/2025

Northwest Health released its annual Community Benefit Report this week. The health system provided care to thousands of area residents in 2024, with 884,700 patient encounters across its network of physician offices and other outpatient sites of care. In addition to delivering safe, quality, compassionate healthcare, the health system is helping those in need, supporting charitable organizations and contributing to the area economy. Northwest Health’s impact totaled an estimated $422,387,000 overall benefit for the region in 2024.

“Our work to grow and enhance the medical services we provide is ongoing, as we continuously improve our safety and quality and support access to healthcare for our community,” said James Leonard, D.O., FACEP, chief executive officer of Northwest Health - Porter. “From providing care to our most vulnerable residents to supporting local charitable organizations, we are proud to make an impact on the health, well-being and quality of life in Northwest Indiana.”

Northwest Health’s five emergency rooms provide lifesaving, medically necessary care at more than 83,000 patient encounters each year, treating all patients regardless of their ability to pay. In 2024, the organization provided $57,043,000 in charity and uncompensated care and provided resources to help patients in need of secure medications and medical support devices.

The health system and its employees also support local organizations that make a difference, especially those addressing social determinants of health. Through service projects such as the annual Jars of Love Peanut Butter drive for local food pantries and contributions to charitable organizations such as The PAX Center, The Caring Place and Starke County Youth, Northwest Health gives back to the community throughout the year.

Northwest Health is committed to dedicating resources to the medical services, facilities and technologies patients need and want to access – close to home. For example, last year, we added robotic-assisted bronchoscopy to our menu of services. This minimally-invasive technology allows doctors to diagnose, biopsy, and stage lung cancer in a single procedure – and mark tumors in advance of surgery – so that patients can begin appropriate, individualized treatment much more quickly.

In addition, during 2024:

• Two maternal fetal medicine physicians are working with local obstetricians to care for women and fetuses at risk for experiencing complications during or after delivery. Their goal is to keep moms and babies healthy throughout their pregnancies.
• The Northwest Health cardiology and structural heart team grew to 14 cardiologists who are very busy saving lives by repairing heart valves and arteries or correcting electrical issues of the heart. They are also committed to detecting heart disease early and preventing serious conditions.
• Last year, we added robotic-assisted bronchoscopy to our menu of services. This minimally-invasive technology allows doctors to diagnose, biopsy, and stage lung cancer in a single procedure – and mark tumors in advance of surgery – so that patients can begin appropriate, individualized treatment much more quickly.
• The three fully-staffed hospital emergency departments, two freestanding emergency rooms and three urgent care locations in Porter, La Porte and Starke Counties offered timely, high-level care for emergent illnesses and injuries.
• Last year, we added robotic-assisted bronchoscopy to our menu of services. This minimally-invasive technology allows doctors to diagnose, biopsy, and stage lung cancer in a single procedure – and mark tumors in advance of surgery – so that patients can begin appropriate, individualized treatment much more quickly.
• In an effort to provide ample care options for region residents, the system recruited 12 specialists and primary care physicians and expanded its medical residency program to train 27 internal medicine and family medicine physicians in 2024 and expects to train more over time.
• Northwest Health made capital investments to enhance medical facilities, services and technologists. This included upgrades to imaging technology at Northwest Health – Starke and a new combination OR/Cath Lab in the Center for Cardiology Medicine at Northwest Health – Porter. These support patient access to the services they need within the health system.

“We are strategically applying our resources to help area residents have access to the care they need close to home,” said Mark Casanova, chief executive officer, Northwest Health – La Porte and Northwest Health - Starke. “These investments, along with our outstanding medical staff and employees, support our delivery of high quality medical care and services for a positive patient experience.”

Northwest Health is one of the region’s larger employers with a payroll of $284,733,000. Support for the future healthcare workforce includes training the next generation of medical professionals by training nursing, respiratory therapy, patient care tech, and other students from 12 local colleges and universities. In addition to supporting the local economy through job creation, Northwest Health paid $54,270,000 in taxes in 2024, monies that help support local infrastructure and civic resources.

Northwest Health’s commitment to helping people get well and live healthier includes a free monthly e-newsletter with health and wellness tips for all ages. Sign up at NWHinfo.com/LiveHealthy.

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