Newsroom

Northwest Health has named Michael Okray as the new director of Northwest Health Emergency Medical Services. A licensed paramedic who has served as a first responder with Northwest Health for the past 30 years, Okray is deeply respected within the EMS and healthcare communities. “Michael brings a deep understanding of emergency medical services and a long-standing commitment to patient care,” said Dan Doherty, chief executive officer, Northwest Health – Porter. “His leadership, experience and dedication... ... Read More

Northwest Health Medical Group general surgeon, Jaron Pettis, MD, is now accepting appointments at his Knox office, providing patients who live in the area with the opportunity to receive quality surgical care close to home. Dr. Pettis, who specializes in general surgery and treats a broad range of health conditions and injuries, is offering appointments on Thursdays at the Northwest Medical Group – General Surgery office at 402 W. Culver Road, in Knox. He also offers appointments throughout the week in... ... Read More

Total Impact Exceeded $15 Million At more than 40,700 patient encounters last year, Northwest Health - Starke delivered on its commitment to provide quality healthcare for the Starke County and surrounding communities. The hospital’s 2025 Community Benefit Report shows care extended well beyond the hospital and clinics, contributing more than $15 million to the community through charity/uncompensated care provided, capital dollars reinvested in services and facilities, employee payroll, charitable proje... ... Read More

In its annual report to the community, Northwest Health - Porter detailed the scope of its clinical operations and economic impact across Porter County and Northwest Indiana, reporting more than 438,000 patient encounters in 2025. Beyond care delivered within its hospital and outpatient facilities, the organization contributed $295 million to the local economy through charity and uncompensated care, capital reinvestment, payroll, community partnerships and $18 million in tax payments that support local ... ... Read More

Total Impact Exceeded $132 Million At more than 294,500 patient encounters last year, Northwest Health - La Porte delivered on its commitment to provide quality healthcare for the La Porte County area. The hospital’s 2025 Community Benefit Report shows it contributed more than $132 million to the cities and counties we serve through charity/uncompensated care provided, capital dollars reinvested in services and facilities, employee payroll, charitable projects and payment of almost $13 million in taxes.... ... Read More

Northwest Health – La Porte is holding its fourth annual Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive to fight hunger in the La Porte area – will all jars donated to The Pax Center’s food pantry. The hospital is collecting peanut butter until March 20. Northwest Health – La Porte collects peanut butter because of it’s high nutritional value, stable shelf life and popularity. “The hospital gives back to the community in a number of ways throughout the year, and our peanut butter drive, Jars of Love is one way we do ... ... Read More

Northwest Health – Porter has announced its fourth annual Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive to fight hunger in the community. The hospital is collecting peanut butter to donate to The Food Bank of Northwest Indiana. The drive started on Feb. 9 and will continue through March 20. Northwest Health – Porter collects peanut butter because it is high in protein and other important nutrition, has a stable shelf life, can be used in versatile ways and is desirable to just about everyone in the family. “Every ye... ... Read More

Northwest Health – Starke is working to fight hunger in the community by collecting peanut butter to donate to Community Services of Starke County. The fourth annual Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive started on Feb. 9 and will continue through March 20. Northwest Health – Starke collects peanut butter because it is one of the most high demand items for its high nutritional value and stable shelf life. “Every year, the hospital makes it a priority to give back to our community, and Jars of Love is one of ... ... Read More

Northwest Health – Porter has successfully completed its first combined minimally invasive procedure to treat patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AFib), addressing both abnormal heart rhythm and stroke risk in a single setting. The procedure was performed by Mark Dixon, D.O., a cardiac electrophysiologist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of heart rhythm disorders, and Interventional Cardiologist Sandeep Sehgal, M.D. The innovative approach pairs pulse field ablation to treat AF... ... Read More

Northwest Health is welcoming Marissa Bottos, DNP, FNP-BC. to Northwest Medical Group – its multi-specialty physician network. Bottos is a nurse practitioner specializing in gastroenterology. She holds a doctorate of nursing practice from Valparaiso University. She is accepting new patients at the Northwest Medical Group – Gastroenterology office, located at 1331 State Street, La Porte, Indiana, where she joins Alexander Ignolikov, M.D., and Tracey Banghart, FNP-C. To schedule an appointment with Bottos... ... Read More