HealthLinc Opportunity Enterprises broke ground today on its newest clinic, located at Opportunity Enterprises (OE), 3101 Evans Avenue in Valparaiso. The clinic will provide primary, immediate, and dental care to the public while prioritizing the unique needs of individuals with intellectual/developmental (IDD) and physical disabilities.
HealthLinc and OE leaders were joined by Jon Costas, Mayor for the City of Valparaiso, Kelly Anthony representing US Senator Todd Young, donors, community partners, staff and individuals served by OE for the ceremony.
Mayor Costas speaks at dedication.
The 7,500-square-foot clinic is designed with accessibility at its core. It will feature mobility-friendly exam rooms, a sensory room, an adult changing table, accessible equipment and staff specially trained to support individuals with sensory and mobility needs. Physical and occupational therapy services will also be housed in the facility, and operated by Opportunity Enterprises, creating an integrated care environment.
"At HealthLinc, we believe quality health care should be accessible to everyone," said Melissa Mitchell, CEO of HealthLinc. Today we are putting that belief into the ground. This clinic will welcome every member of our community, and it will be a place where patients with disabilities are expected, welcomed and understood. Together, we are building healthy communities."
"This clinic embodies OE's mission of creating equitable opportunities for people of all abilities," said Neil Samahon, president and CEO of Opportunity Enterprises. Too many people with disabilities go without routine care because the system was not built with them in mind. Seeing shovels in the ground on our property means that is about to change for families across our region."
HealthLinc, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), will equip and operate the clinic, ensuring affordability through sliding-scale fees and access to the 340B discounted medication program.
Key benefits of the HealthLinc clinic at Opportunity Enterprises include:
- Enhanced health care access for the public while prioritizing the needs of individuals with disabilities
- Improved health outcomes through preventative and comprehensive care
- A model for statewide Medicaid savings and health care innovation
- New vocational training opportunities for individuals with disabilities
- A training site for residency rotations for family medicine physicians, family nurse practitioners, behavioral health consultants and medical assistants
The project is supported by generous donors and funders, including a lead gift from an anonymous donor, Porter County Community Foundation Energize Porter County Initiative, Northwest Indiana Forum READI 2 funding, and Bob Riesinger. The clinic will be designed by Facet Architect Firm and built by Larson Danielson construction. Construction is expected to be complete by Summer 2027.
About HealthLinc
HealthLinc, Inc. (healthlincchc.org) is a not-for-profit federally qualified health center that provides primary medical, dental, optometry and behavioral health services to people of all ages, regardless of a patient’s ability to pay. In 1996, HealthLinc began as Hilltop Neighborhood House, a neighborhood clinic and childcare center in Valparaiso, IN. Since then, HealthLinc has expanded to 18 clinics across northern Indiana. HealthLinc accepts Medicare, Medicaid, Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) and most commercial insurance plans, and provides care for uninsured patients. Services are provided on a sliding fee scale based on household size and income, regardless of a patient’s insurance status.
About Opportunity Enterprises, Inc.
For nearly 60 years, Opportunity Enterprises has worked to create inclusive and equitable opportunities for people of all abilities. OE is in the business of amazing people, with approximately 400 staff serving over 1,400 people each year. For more information, visit www.oppent.org.
Melissa Mitchell, CEO of HealthLinc; Neil Samahon, president and CEO of Opportunity Enterprises break ground on the new HealthLinc Opportunity Enterprises Clinic in Valparaiso.
Melissa Mitchell, CEO of HealthLinc; Neil Samahon, president and CEO of Opportunity Enterprises; and leadership break ground on the new HealthLinc Opportunity Enterprises Clinic in Valparaiso.