Five honored at Black Summer Expo
Gov. Mike Braun recently recognized five Hoosiers at the Governor’s Reception at the Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration.
Hosted by the Indiana Civil Rights Commission in partnership with Indiana Black Expo Inc. in Indianapolis, Braun presented awards in recognition of dedication to service, leadership, empowerment and improving the quality of life, a release said. The 2026 Governor’s Reception Award Recipients included Reginald Henderson, Carolene Mays, B.R. Lane and Quinn Buckner.
In addition, Tammy Bibbs, an employee of the Indiana Civil Rights Commission, was recognized with the Harold O. Hatcher Award, which honors an individual whose dedication, leadership, and service exemplify the values and legacy of ICRC’s first Executive Director, Harold O. Hatcher, the release said.
OE welcomes two new board members
Edie Fienemann and Raeann Trakas have joined Opportunity Enterprises’ Board of Directors.
Fienemann, a broker with Fienemann Group LLC (McColly Real Estate), served weekly as a Program Volunteer in OE’s Career Connections Day Program and was an active member of the Donor Relations Committee, according to a release.
Trakas, Senior Community Relations Representative for Cleveland-Cliffs, supported OE’s efforts on a grant application for the Shared Table Food Pantry, helping strengthen food security initiatives for the individuals OE serves, a release said.
Fienemann and Trakas begin their terms this month.
Franciscan presenting faith-based diabetes initiative
Franciscan Health is presenting the latest installment in its free, faith-based diabetes initiative in partnership with local churches and community organizations in Michigan City.
Fan Out Diabetes pairs minority LaPorte County congregations with Franciscan’s Community Health Improvement program and community organizations, a release said. The partnership brings two-day diabetes education, prevention and detection mini workshops — free of charge — to the church after Sunday services.
Upcoming sessions take place at noon Aug. 16 and Sept. 13 at River of Life Church, 516 Decatur St. in Michigan City. Participants are asked to attend both sessions. Participants need not be members of the congregation to attend, the release said.
For more information, contact Franciscan Health Michigan City Community Health Improvement Coordinator Nila Williams at [email protected].
More Top Picks Best Panettone Molds
IBJ picks state’s 250 most influential
Sherri Ziller, President and CEO of the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority, joins a handful of other Northwest Indiana professionals on a list of Indiana’s 250 most influential leaders by IBJ Media for a fourth consecutive year.
The list was compiled by IBJ Media executives, editors and newsroom staff following a months-long process of reviewing nominations, researching Indiana organizations and consulting community leaders across the state, a release said.
Others with ties to Northwest Indiana named to the list include, Heather Ennis, President and CEO, Northwest Indiana Forum, Civic Leadership; Mike Schrage, Centier Bank, Financial and Business Services; Bill Hanna, Executive Director, Dean and Barbara White Family Foundation, Nonprofit and Education; Thomas Collins II, Luke Family of Brands, Real Estate, Retail and Construction; Gus Olympidis, CEO, Family Express, Real Estate, Retail and Construction; and Mamon Powers III, President and CEO of Powers & Sons Construction, Real Estate, Retail and Construction.
Additional information and a full list of honorees can be found at Indiana250.com.
Methodist Hospitals earns top ranking
Methodist Hospitals has received an “A” Grade in Social Responsibility and five of its component measures on the 2026 Lown Hospitals Index for Social Responsibility, according to a release.
Methodist was ranked No. 1 in the state on Inclusivity, demonstrating special excellence in the diversity of its staff and in treating all community members equally, regardless of race or socioeconomic status, the release said.
Methodist also was in the top 5 in Indiana for Cost Efficiency and Racial Inclusivity and received “A” grades in Clinical Outcomes and Health Equity.
The Lown Hospitals Index is the only national ranking that examines how equitably care is delivered, how well hospitals invest in their communities and whether patients receive high-value care that avoids unnecessary procedures, the release said.
Hospital earns recertification for stroke care
Community Hospital has earned recertification from The Joint Commission and received its Gold Seal of Approval, a nationally recognized symbol of excellence in healthcare quality and patient safety.
The certification recognizes Community Hospital’s commitment to delivering advanced, life-saving care for patients experiencing the most severe and complex types of stroke, according to its website.
As part of the 2-year recertification process, Community Hospital underwent an unannounced onsite review by The Joint Commission. Surveyors evaluated the hospital’s compliance with nationally recognized standards through observations, interviews and a comprehensive assessment of patient care practices, the website said.
Community Hospital’s Comprehensive Stroke Center is supported by the stroke centers at St. Catherine Hospital in East Chicago and St. Mary Medical Center in Hobart. For information, visit PowersHealth.org/stroke.