Lowell Lions Club Members Roared with Generosity

Lowell Lions Club members roared with generosity recently when they donated $1,500 to the Saint Anthony Medical Center Capital Campaign, which is raising $4.5 million (half of which is being matched by a private donor) to construct a new complex to house the St. Clare Health Clinic and the Prenatal Assistance Program. The clinic and the program provide services to underprivileged Northwest Indiana residents.

The donation followed a previous fundraising presentation by Cathi Biller, regional development associate for Sisters of St. Francis Health Services Northern Indiana Region. Lions President David Rowley presented a ceremonial check to Saint Anthony President David Ruskowski at the club's Feb. 23 meeting. "Everything we take in, we give back to the community,'' said Rowley, a former, 23-year Saint Anthony employee, who said the hospital always will have a place in his heart. Ruskowski said he continues to be amazed at the outpouring of generosity of groups such as the Lions who put the needs of others first and never hesitate to give back to the community.

Philanthropy is Contagious

Saint Anthony Capital Campaign receives donation

Saint Anthony Capital Campaign Chairman Joe Allegretti (second from right), has a motto: "Philanthropy is contagious.''

That has been the case some 335 times since the campaign, which is raising $4.5 million (which includes matching funds from a private donor) to build a new complex to house St. Clare Health Clinic and the Prenatal Assistance Program, kicked off last February.

Mark LaMere (far left) stands next to his father Richard LaMere, both of Crown Point, who are proprietors of National Bond and Trust, which has been in business in the city more than 30 years. Mark, who recently took over operations from his father. said they chose to donate $3,500 to the campaign because "Saint Anthony has been a big contributor to the community and we wanted to give back.''

Hospital President David Ruskowski (far right) thanked them for the generosity.

Persons wishing to contribute to the campaign are asked to contact
Catherine Biller, regional development associate, at (219) 932-2300, ext. 34556.

Franciscan Physician Hospital in Munster offers free cardiovascular screenings Feb. 20

Free cardiovascular screenings and more will be offered during a Health Fair scheduled from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 20 at Franciscan Physicians Hospital, 701 Superior Ave.

Screenings will take place near the pre-op and catheterization labs and will include blood pressure, lipid profile, body mass index, glucose, electrocardiogram, abdominal aortic aneurysm, flash echo and carotid quick screening.

Paul Jones, MD, interventional cardiologist, and Chicago Heart and Vascular Consultants, will be on hand to discuss findings with visitors. Hilton Hudson, MD, cardiothoracic surgeon, will be on hand for a lecture and to speak with visitors about cardiovascular disease.

Visitors are asked to register at the Welcome Center to receive paperwork and then to follow the directional signs or ask an employee for assistance to find the labs.

Educational lectures on heart disease, heart health, vascular disease, aortic aneurysm, peripheral vascular disease and stroke awareness-management will be offered throughout the day in the hospital recovery area. Refreshments and giveaways will be available in the main lobby.

Persons wishing a lipid profile, glucose or aortic aneurysm screening must fast a minimum of six hours before the test.

Call (219) 922-4273 for more information.

SSFHS Hospitals represented at Go Red for Women event in Valparaiso

Saint Anthony Medical Center President David Ruskowski addresses a "Go Red Valpo'' program at Valparaiso University Feb. 3 as Sisters of St. Francis Health Services Northern Indiana Region served as a presenting sponsor for the event, which is conducted in communities throughout Northwest Indiana, in conjunction with the American Heart Association, to help raise heart-healthy awareness for women.

SSFHS Platinum Sponsor of "Go Red For Women" in Crown Point

Saint Anthony Medical Center President David Ruskowski addresses a packed room at the White Hawk Country Club in Crown Point Feb. 5 during the city’s Go Red for Women Day event in observance of a national awareness campaign conducted by the American Heart Association. Ruskowski related his grandson’s successful battle against heart disease to an audience that consisted of area hospital representatives, including those from Sisters of St. Francis Northern Indiana Region, which was a platinum sponsor of the event, and various officials and supporters of the campaign.