The president and CEO of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce will be the guest speaker for the Gary Chamber of Commerce’s monthly meeting in September, according to a release.

The event takes place at noon Sept. 9, at The Chateau Banquets, 530 W. 61st Ave., Merrillville.

Vanessa Green Sinders, president and CEO, Indiana Chamber will be the guest speaker. Green Sinders became the Indiana Chamber’s first female president and CEO in January. Her knowledge of government affairs, working for Fortune 100 companies, and high-profile positions on Capitol Hill makes her more than capable of her position, leading business and advancing Indiana, the release said. The cost of the luncheon is $25 per person.

For reservations, call the Chamber office 219-885-7407.

Mrvan announces $500K grant for HealthLinc

Rep. Frank J. Mrvan, D-Highland, recently announced a federal grant under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Accelerating Cancer Screening program for HealthLinc in Valparaiso.

According to HHS, HealthLinc will receive $500,000 to partner directly with National Cancer Institute-Designated Cancer Centers to expedite patient access to cancer care and treatment. In general, the Accelerated Cancer Screening program aims to improve access to cancer screenings and follow-up treatments in underserved areas.

Franciscan planning suicide prevention course

Franciscan Health is hosting a free event Sept. 12 aimed at helping increase awareness of and helping prevent suicides, according to a release.

The Behavioral Health Department at Franciscan Health Dyer is hosting its first public Suicide Awareness Event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the employee parking lot of the hospital, 24 Joliet St.

The Indiana Department of Health reports 1,136 suicides occurred in Indiana in 2022 with Lake County having the second highest number of suicides in the state, the release said.

A prayer, memorial to those who have lost their lives to suicide, testimonials and multiple community resources for individuals and families in need will be featured, the release said.

For more information, contact Hangie Hawkins, Community Education Coordinator for Franciscan Behavioral Health Dyer, at hangie.zamora@franciscanalliance.org.

3 Valparaiso officers complete Northwestern program

The Valparaiso Police Department recently announced the graduation of Capt. Melanie Sheets, Detective Sgt. Chris Allison, and Patrol Lt. Jerame Simpson from the School of Police Staff and Command (SPSC) at Northwestern University, according to a release.

The program, which was implemented by the Center for Public Safety in 1983, has graduated more than 21,000 students both nationally and internationally, the release said.

The School of Police Staff and Command provides upper-level college instruction in a total of 27 core blocks of education and additional optional blocks during each session.

The major topics of study include Leadership, Human Resources, Employee Relations, Organizational Behavior, Applied Statistics, Planning and Policy Development, Budgeting and Resource Allocation.

Family medicine nurse practitioner joins Franciscan

A family medicine nurse practitioner has joined Franciscan Physician Network and is accepting new patients in Winfield, according to a release.

Selena Roggeveen earned her master of science degree in nursing from Purdue University Northwest in Hammond and her bachelor of science degree in nursing from Purdue University in West Lafayette.

In addition to family medicine, Roggeveen’s clinical interests include managing chronic medical conditions, preventative and primary care for all ages and family-focused health care services. Call 219-662-9424.

PNW events to mark Hispanic Heritage Month

Purdue University Northwest (PNW) will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a wide range of events honoring U.S. Hispanic and Latino communities at the Hammond and Westville campuses, according to a release.

This year’s annual celebration, which starts Sept. 16, features a variety of cultural and academic events, including the Sept. 22 Hispanic Heritage Festival, salsa dance nights and a Hispanic small business expo, and a Sept. 27 lecture by Dr. Antonia Novello, the first Latina U.S. Surgeon General, the release said.

Event information and updates can be found by visiting pnw.edu/hhm.