Valparaiso-based HealthLinc plans to use its $940,000 READI grant from the Indiana Economic Development Corp. to expand the clinic.
“We are grateful for the support of the Northwest Indiana Forum Foundation and the IEDC,” said Beth Wrobel, HealthLinc CEO, in a press release. “The READI grant will significantly improve our ability to achieve health equity and positive health outcomes for our patients and communities.”
The Regional Economic Acceleration Development Initiative funds will go toward the infrastructure needs of the Northwest Health Family Medicine residency program.
The Accreditation Council Graduate Medical Education requires that the program meets specific standards to prepare physicians to provide high-quality medical care.
The expansion will include more exam rooms, conference and learning areas for faculty and residents, offices and laboratory areas. The first class of six residents started July 1. The three-year program will add an additional six residents each year for a total of 18.
“One of the goals of the program is to build a pipeline of physicians who will remain in the region after completing their residency and provide quality health care to high-need patients who rely on community health centers,” Wrobel said.
According to a American Medical Association 2019 report, 64.4% of residents remain and practice in the state where they completed their residency.
