Franciscan Health Launches Suicide Prevention Course and New Partnerships

Franciscan Health Munster is set to host a free suicide prevention course on November 10, 2023, designed to equip attendees with essential skills to save lives and reduce suicidal behaviors. The QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Suicide Prevention Course will take place from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. in the St. Clare Conference Room of the hospital located at 701 Superior Avenue. Registration is required by November 9, and interested individuals can obtain more information by contacting Stacy Zembala, Community Health Improvement Coordinator at Franciscan Health.

In addition to this initiative, Franciscan Health has received notable support from Old National Bank, which recently donated $15,000 to the organization’s Food Insecurity Program. This contribution will allow the Fresh Start Market to provide food assistance to local families facing food insecurity over the next three months. Since 2021, Old National Bank has donated over $40,000 to this critical program, which has been instrumental in addressing food scarcity in the region.

Educational Partnerships and Community Impact

Valparaiso University (VU) and Harper College have forged a new pathway for aspiring engineers through an articulation agreement signed in September. This agreement guarantees acceptance into VU’s College of Engineering for students who complete their Associate’s Degree in Engineering Science at Harper College in Palatine, Illinois, provided they maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. This partnership aims to streamline the educational journey for future engineers, allowing them to transition smoothly into their bachelor’s studies.

Purdue University Northwest (PNW) is also making strides in the scientific community. Dr. Grethe Hystad, an associate professor of Statistics, has been selected to join a NASA-funded project titled “Advancing Multi-Messenger Biosignature Techniques with Machine Learning.” This five-year initiative, backed by a grant of $5 million, focuses on using machine learning to explore the potential existence of life beyond Earth. Dr. Hystad’s expertise will contribute to developing innovative algorithms that could reshape our understanding of biosignatures in the solar system.

In a noteworthy local milestone, Northwest Health – Valparaiso recently celebrated the 10-year anniversary of its emergency room. Since opening in 2015, the facility has provided essential, round-the-clock care to tens of thousands of patients in the Valparaiso community. The emergency department operates 24 hours a day, ensuring that quality medical care is always accessible.

As these organizations continue to address pressing community needs through education and health initiatives, the collaborative efforts exemplify a commitment to enhancing the well-being of residents across the region.