Methodist Hospitals Foundation welcomes new Board members. September 2, 2026 The Methodist Hospitals Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Suchita Shah and Sarah Pomponi to its Board of Directors. Shah and Pomponi join the Foundation at a time of continued growth as it works to expand philanthropic support for Methodist Hospitals programs, services and initiatives that improve the health and well-being of patients, families and communities throughout Northwest Indiana. "Suchita and Sarah bring valuable experience, strong community relationships and a shared commitment to improving the health and well-being of Northwest Indiana," said Matt Doyle, President and CEO of Methodist Hospitals. "Their leadership will further strengthen the Foundation's ability to build meaningful partnerships and generate philanthropic support for the programs and services that benefit our patients and the communities we are privileged to serve." Suchita Shah has been a licensed real estate broker with McColly Real Estate since 1996. Prior to her career in real estate, she practiced as a dentist, providing her with a unique perspective that combines healthcare knowledge, business expertise, and a lifelong commitment to serving others. A respected community leader, Suchita has dedicated decades to advancing healthcare and community initiatives throughout Northwest Indiana through volunteer leadership and philanthropy. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Indian American Cultural Center, where she leads fundraising efforts in support of its mission and programs. She previously served on the boards of the American Heart Association and the Lake County Medical Auxiliary, demonstrating a longstanding commitment to improving the health and well-being of the community. Her experience in healthcare, business, fundraising, and nonprofit leadership has equipped her to build meaningful relationships, strengthen philanthropic partnerships, and advance the Methodist Hospitals Foundation's mission throughout Northwest Indiana. Sarah Pomponi is a business owner and healthcare practice administrator with extensive experience in strategic branding, marketing, communications, relationship-building, and community engagement. She has successfully led business operations while helping organizations strengthen their visibility, build strategic partnerships, and inspire philanthropic support. Sarah has developed a strong appreciation for Methodist Hospitals' commitment to providing compassionate, high-quality healthcare through her family's involvement with the health system and her husband's work as an orthopedic surgeon. As a healthcare practice administrator, she understands the importance of delivering exceptional patient experiences and supporting high-quality healthcare. She has witnessed firsthand the positive impact Methodist has on patients and families throughout Northwest Indiana. She brings expertise in healthcare administration, strategic communications, branding, and community engagement that will strengthen the Foundation's visibility, expand philanthropic support, and cultivate partnerships that advance Methodist Hospitals' mission throughout Northwest Indiana. "We are excited to welcome Suchita and Sarah to the Methodist Hospitals Foundation Board of Directors," said Celina Weatherwax, Executive Director of the Methodist Hospitals Foundation. "Both bring strong connections to our community, valuable professional experience and, most importantly, a genuine commitment to making a difference in Northwest Indiana. Their perspectives will be tremendous assets as we continue to strengthen the Foundation and create new opportunities for individuals, businesses and community partners to support the work of Methodist Hospitals." As members of the Board of Directors, Shah and Pomponi will help guide the Foundation's philanthropic strategy, donor and community engagement efforts, and support for programs and services across Methodist Hospitals." The strength of our Foundation is directly tied to the people who are willing to lend their time, expertise and relationships to our mission," Weatherwax added. "Suchita and Sarah understand Northwest Indiana and care deeply about the people who call this region home. We are grateful for their willingness to serve and look forward to the impact they will make." About Methodist Hospitals Foundation The Methodist Hospitals Foundation serves as the philanthropic arm of Methodist Hospitals, connecting the generosity of individuals, businesses, foundations and community partners with programs and initiatives that enhance patient care and improve the health of Northwest Indiana. Through charitable giving, the Foundation supports programs, services, technology and other priorities that help Methodist Hospitals continue its mission of providing quality, compassionate healthcare to the communities it serves. The following organizations have been identified to steward contributions into the community to residents impacted by the August 2026 storm events in Lake County: Salvation... NORTHWEST INDIANA - Registration for Franciscan Health's Strong, Healthy, Empowered (SHE) Women's Health Conferences is now open. "SHE is designed to create opportunities for women... MUNSTER, IN - After a challenging August that tested communities across Northwest Indiana, Humane Indiana is inviting families, friends, and animal lovers to come together... CROWN POINT, Ind. - September 01, 2026 - St. Jude House has launched Hope Lives Here: Building New Beginnings Through Transitional Housing, a campaign seeking to... HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. - Purdue University Northwest's (PNW) undergraduate program in Elementary Education has once again earned national recognition for excellence in preparing future educators... WASHINGTON - In response to a Presidential disaster declaration issued Aug. 25, the U.S. Small Business Administration announced the availability of low interest disaster loans for Indiana...

HealthPartners environmental stewardship recognized with 13 national awards. Practice Greenhealth, an advocate for sustainability, honors HealthPartners and its 8 hospitals June 25, 2026 BLOOMINGTON, Minn. - HealthPartners has received the System for Change award from Practice Greenhealth, the country's leading organization dedication to environmental stewardship in health care, for the 12th consecutive year. The honor is one of 13 awards recognizing the comprehensive sustainability programs implemented throughout HealthPartners and across all eight of its hospitals. The awards highlight a wide range of sustainability efforts, including work to reduce HealthPartners' carbon footprint, implementing smarter purchasing decisions, advancing green building standards, and promoting sustainable food practices. "We're proud to lead the way in environmental stewardship in health care," says Andrea Walsh, HealthPartners President and CEO. "Having a clean and safe environment is essential to helping the members, patients and communities we serve thrive now and in the future." Practice Greenhealth also awarded Circles of Excellence awards to HealthPartners for finishing in the Top 10 in three specific categories - waste reduction, sustainable procurement and green building. Additionally, two HealthPartners hospitals, Methodist Hospital and Regions Hospital, earned the prestigious Top 25 Environmental Excellence Award, Practice Greenhealth's highest honor for hospitals, recognizing facilities that lead the industry in sustainability. All other HealthPartners hospitals received the Greenhealth Leader Award, recognizing them for being in the top 20% of applicants. 2026 Practice Greenhealth awards included: * HealthPartners - Greenhealth System for Change Award; Circles of Excellence in Waste, Sustainable Procurement, and Green Building * Amery Hospital & Clinic - Greenhealth Leader Award * Hudson Hospital & Clinic - Greenhealth Leader Award * Hutchinson Health - Greenhealth Leader Award * Lakeview Hospital - Greenhealth Leader Award * Methodist Hospital - Greenhealth Top 25 Award * Olivia Hospital & Clinic - Greenhealth Leader Award * Regions Hospital - Greenhealth Top 25 Award; Circle of Excellence in Food * Westfields Hospital & Clinic - Greenhealth Leader Award For additional information about HealthPartners' sustainability initiatives, visit healthpartners.com/sustainability. About HealthPartners HealthPartners is a nonprofit organization with a mission of improving health and well-being in partnership with its members, patients and community. An integrated system of care and coverage since its founding in 1957, HealthPartners operates hospitals and clinics, health plans, and a research and education institute. The Minneapolis-based organization serves more than 1.4 million patients in Minnesota and Wisconsin and 1.4 million medical and dental health plan members nationwide. For more information, visit healthpartners.com. About Practice Greenhealth Practice Greenhealth is the leading membership and networking organization for sustainable health care, delivering environmental solutions to hospitals and health systems across the U.S. and Canada. Learn more at practicegreenhealth.org .