Northwest Health-Porter has announced the appointment of Dan Doherty as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective October 27, 2023. Doherty brings nearly 20 years of experience in healthcare leadership across Chicago and Wisconsin. In his role, he will oversee daily operations while focusing on enhancing patient care and spearheading strategic growth initiatives. Prior to this position, Doherty served as President and CEO of Ascension Alexian Brothers Medical Center in Chicago.
With Doherty’s arrival, Dr. Thomas Rohs will resume his responsibilities as Chief Medical Officer at Northwest Health-Porter. This leadership change is expected to strengthen the hospital’s commitment to quality care.
Free Community Events Scheduled
In addition to the leadership changes, Northwest Health-Porter is actively engaging with the community. A free Business and Economic Outlook conference will take place on October 31, 2023, from 08:00 to 12:00 at Ivy Tech Community College in Valparaiso. This event, hosted by the Northwest Indiana Business RoundTable and the Construction Advancement Foundation, will feature a panel of regional business and economic experts discussing industry trends for 2026. Notable presenters include Sherri Ziller from the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority and Emily W. Easton from the Chicago Quantum Exchange. Registration is free for NWIBRT members and can be completed at NWIBRT.org.
On October 25, 2023, Franciscan Health Michigan City will host a free “Way to Grow” baby shower for expectant families and new parents. Scheduled from 10:00 to 12:00 at 3500 Franciscan Way, the event will offer education on car seat safety, prenatal care, and safe sleep practices. Attendees can tour the Family Birth Center, enjoy a breakfast buffet, and participate in giveaways. Registration is required, and interested individuals should call 1-800-931-3322.
Recognition and New Services
Meanwhile, Purdue University Northwest has been recognized in the U.S. News & World Report annual rankings as a top public regional university for academic quality and social mobility. PNW secured the 37th position among Midwest regional universities and its undergraduate engineering programs ranked 46th in the country. This acknowledgment highlights PNW’s commitment to providing quality education and fostering student success.
In a separate announcement, Lake County Clerk Michael A. Brown revealed the opening of two new child support cash payment centers in Lake County. Residents can now pay their child support in person at locations in Gary and Crown Point. This initiative aims to improve accessibility for families needing to make payments.
Additionally, Methodist Hospitals has earned recognition in the U.S. News & World Report’s 2025-2026 Best Hospitals edition, being named a High Performing hospital for conditions such as COPD, diabetes, and heart failure. This distinction underscores the hospital’s dedication to providing exceptional care.
Lastly, Franciscan Health is collaborating with the Lake County Health Department to launch a free outdoor walking program called “Path to Wellness.” Set to commence on October 27, 2023, the program will run on Mondays and Fridays from 10:00 to 11:30 until November 21, 2023. Participants can register at the Lake County Health Department, and the program aims to promote community health through physical activity.
These initiatives reflect the ongoing efforts of local organizations to enhance community well-being and support residents in various aspects of their lives.
