HealthLinc La Porte Pediatrics is marking a successful start, well ahead of its first anniversary.
Over the past year, the clinic has added a third pediatrician, hired a full-time behavioral health counselor and expanded the care team by 12 staff members. It has transitioned its Michigan City provider to the HealthLinc Michigan City clinic.
The facility has also expanded services and strengthened access to pediatric health for families in La Porte County.
The achievements were made possible by a $500,000 grant from the Health Foundation of La Porte, which supported the transition of the former Northwest Medical Group Pediatric Care office at 1509 State Street.
Since opening under HealthLinc’s operation in December 2024, La Porte Pediatrics has served 5,835 patients through July 31. Of these patients, 49% were covered by Medicaid, 46% by private insurance and 5% were uninsured.
“HealthLinc La Porte Pediatrics is a vital resource for local families,” said Melissa Mitchell, HealthLinc CEO, in a press release. “This first year shows what’s possible when we partner with community organizations like Health Foundation of La Porte to build a healthier future for La Porte’s children.”
The grant has also enabled the clinic to broaden preventive services, integrate behavioral health into pediatric visits and offer programs such as Prescription for Play and Reach Out and Read. HealthLinc La Porte Pediatrics plans to introduce new wellness and nutrition programs, expand adolescent health services and strengthen community outreach partnerships.
“We [Health Foundation of La Porte] were happy to provide this funding support during HealthLinc's transition phase so children in our community could continue to receive quality medical care,” Eric DeWald, HFL president and CEO, said. “Maintaining essential pediatric services, like well-child visits, access to immunizations and quality care when a child is sick, is key to the health of La Porte County families.”
