HealthLinc landed a $10,000 grant from the Porter County Community Foundation to develop a sensory room at the future HealthLinc clinic at Opportunity Enterprises in Valparaiso.
The clinic at 3101 Evans Ave. will be open to everyone in the community, including the patients with intellectual and development disabilities Opportunity Enterprises serves. The sensory room will provide a quiet, soothing environment to give them a calm, safe and supportive space.
“Everyone deserves health care where they feel understood and respected,” said Melissa Mitchell, CEO of HealthLinc. “This grant from the Porter County Community Foundation helps us create a space that meets patients where they are and supports their comfort and dignity. The sensory room will make a real difference for people who may otherwise avoid care because it feels overwhelming.”
HealthLinc is starting renovation this month. It expects to serve 1,800 patients during the first year, improving healthcare access for people with disabilities.
“The Porter County Community Foundation is proud to support the sensory room at the new HealthLinc clinic at Opportunity Enterprises,” said Bill Higbie, PCCF President and CEO. “The collaboration between the two organizations will create better health outcomes for individuals in our community, and the sensory room is an important piece of it.”
