Health

By Juli Metzger— MUNCIE, IN—September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, but our collective commitment should go far beyond a single month of the year. Our community’s resilience, grit and courage to speak up are central values I see championed throughout our communityu every day of the year. This year, I believe we need to pay particular attention to our young people. Indiana is facing a youth mental health crisis. Too many children and teenagers are struggling with depression, anxiety, isolation and thoughts of suicide. The latest data from the Indiana Department of Health paint a troubling picture: nearly half of…

By Ball State Communications— MUNCIE, IN — Ball State University’s College of Health is expanding access to healthcare in East Central Indiana with the launch of a new family medicine primary care practice serving community members. The new primary care family medicine service will operate within the Healthy Lifestyle Center at the University’s Interprofessional Community Clinics, 1613 W. Riverside Ave. in Muncie. Free parking is available for patients in the clinic parking lot at the Health Professions Building. Three newly hired family nurse practitioners are beginning to open their patient panels as the practice prepares for a soft launch in early September….

By Mike Rhodes, Editor-in-Chief— MUNCIE, IN—IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital has been recognized by the American Heart Association for their commitment to improving care for patients with heart disease and stroke through Get With The Guidelines® quality improvement programs. The programs help ensure patients receive care aligned with the most up‑to‑date, research‑based treatment guidelines. Heart disease and stroke are the No. 1 and No. 4 causes of death in the United States, respectively, according to the 2026 American Heart Association 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics report. These conditions require swift, proven treatment to achieve the best outcomes. Through Get With…

By Isis Chaverri, Regional Communications Director, American Red Cross Indiana Region— INDIANA — The American Red Cross is declaring an emergency blood shortage as the blood supply fell nearly 25% in June. Blood donors are urgently needed to give now to help ensure patients receive lifesaving medical care without delay. The shortage is especially serious for platelets and types O positive and B negative blood. A steep decline in blood donations since the end of May has created a growing gap between supply and patient need. Currently, Red Cross distributions to hospitals are nearly 3,500 units higher per week than…

By Janie Bohlmann, ARC Regional Communications Manager— INDIANA — Experts are warning that dangerously high temperatures will impact the Indiana Region beginning this weekend and continuing through next week. The Indiana Region of the American Red Cross urges everyone to take three critical actions to stay safe: Stay hydrated by drinking a cup of water every 20 minutes, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid sugary, caffeinated and alcoholic drinks. Stay cool by spending time in air-conditioned places. If your home is too hot, go to a mall, library or cooling center. Stay connected by checking on others and asking for help if…

By Carolyn Frost— MUNCIE, IN—After an extensive national search, the Board of Directors at Open Door Health Services is pleased to announce Amelia E. Clark, DrPH, as its new chief executive officer and president. Dr. Clark will begin on July 6, succeeding Bryan Ayars, who will retire in mid-July after 10 years of leadership and service. Before coming to Open Door, Dr. Clark served as the executive director and founder of the Center for Integrated Public Health and Research and professor in the Department of Medical Sciences at the University of Saint Francis in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She earned a…

By Mischa B. Staton, MA, CHCM, NADD-DSP— MUNCIE, IN – Indiana Treatment Centers will soon open a new treatment center in Muncie, expanding access to substance use disorder and co-occurring mental health treatment for individuals and families across Central Indiana. The new location reflects a collaborative effort between Indiana Treatment Centers, Delaware County community leaders, and Ascension Recovery Services, a national leader in behavioral health program development and management. Located in Delaware County, the Muncie facility was developed in response to the growing need for accessible, local treatment options for individuals seeking recovery support. For years, many individuals and families…

By Hannah Dunckel— MUNCIE, IN – Meridian Health Pediatrics and Prime-Time Urgent Care will host the second annual Kids Carnival on Thursday, June 18 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the clinic located at 205 N. Tillotson Avenue in Muncie. The community is invited to enjoy a fun and interactive community resource fair complete with carnival games, prizes, food trucks, and more. Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet Meridian’s dedicated pediatric providers and team. Meridian Health Pediatrics and Prime-Time Urgent Care offers a true medical home for children and families where all treatments and medications are coordinated seamlessly…

By Courtney Schmoll— MUNCIE, IN—Patients, community members, caregivers, donors, team members and leaders gathered May 12 to celebrate the opening of the IU Health Pediatric Rehabilitation Outdoor Space at Ball Memorial Hospital. The event brought smiles, applause and a shared sense of pride as attendees marked a milestone for children and families in east central Indiana. The adaptive playground expands access to care for children receiving services through System Health Solutions (SHS) Pediatric Rehabilitation, offering a safe outdoor environment where therapy and play come together. “This space represents what happens when a community comes together around children and families,” says Brad…