Crown Point residents will have greater access to comprehensive healthcare when the new NorthShore Health Center opens in Crown Point on May 6.
“We’re breaking down accessibility barriers that have long impeded area residents from satisfying their healthcare needs efficiently,” said Gervay Dickerson, director of community engagement for NorthShore Health. “Driving nearly a half hour for regular or emergency care or even a routine doctor’s appointment a town away is not always an option for an individual without transportation or flexible work hours.”
Dickerson said the new Crown Point location (310 W. 112th St.) will offer a comprehensive number of services in addition to flexible hours, including evening and same day appointments.
“When you think about families that are struggling to put food on their tables, pay their bills and find necessary childcare, having to worry about accessing a doctor for a routine blood pressure screening or flu shot often falls to the wayside,” she said. “Even some emergency care is left untreated for lack of access. Some individuals are not even aware that they should be getting wellness checkups on a regular basis because they’ve never had access to their own provider.”
In addition to providing on-site care, the new facility will be hosting and partnering with community organizations to educate individuals on preventive healthcare at events throughout the area.
“It’s important that we meet these individuals where they are to make healthcare a regular thing for them, not something that’s difficult to access or even understand,” Dickerson said. “We will now have providers in the area educating individuals on the benefits of health screenings so that a potential prediabetes situation, for example, doesn’t turn into diabetes. Another example is that many individuals are unaware they should be routinely checking their blood pressure. Usually, we might not see these patients until later in life when their issues turn into an emergency.”
Crown Point is one of four communities NorthShore Health Centers is expanding to, marking a significant milestone in its mission to deliver high-quality healthcare services to areas that lack easy access to both basic and advanced medical care. The other communities are Gary, Indiana, which just opened, and Michigan City and East Chicago, both of which are scheduled to open June 28.
Gretchen Haney, FNP-BC, says she loves working for NorthShore for several reasons. “First, I am deeply passionate about patient care. Every day, I have the opportunity to impact the lives of others by providing comprehensive, quality healthcare within a supportive and inclusive environment. Additionally, NorthShore’s mission-driven focus is highly rewarding as a healthcare professional providing the opportunity to make a meaningful difference within the community. The expansion of the Crown Point NorthShore can significantly enhance the overall health and wellbeing of the community it serves while promoting healthier lifestyles and disease prevention.”
Dickerson said the strategically targeted markets are a result of an increasing demand in those areas for healthcare services due to an uptick in hospital closings and general market need. NorthShore currently has more than 20 locations between full-service clinics and primary care clinics in local school districts that provide medical, dental, vision, chiropractic, mental health and medication assistance through on-site pharmacies. All of these services will be available at the Crown Point location.
“It’s definitely welcome news for this community,” Dickerson said. “It’s so important to bring personalized care and services to the community where people live, so that they will be able to physically get here without a lot of effort.”
Schererville resident Debbie Tuerff couldn’t agree more. Tuerff, who works in Crown Point, said she’s thrilled that her healthcare needs will now be just a quick drive from her office.
“I love the fact that this is a stand-alone facility, centrally located and easily accommodating,” she said. “Appointments will be easy to make and won’t require a long commute.”
To learn more, please visit northshorehealth.org.
