Porter Health System has named Laurie Wehner-Evans RN, MSN to the position of Director of Community Relations.

Wehner-Evans of Chesterton was most recently the Director of Emergency Services for the Valparaiso Hospital Campus and has been on staff at Porter for more than 30 years.

“I have always enjoyed being a spokesperson for Porter,” Wehner-Evans said. “This position allows me to be more visible in the community developing partnerships and providing healthcare education.”

A large part of her new role will be to work within the Duneland and Valparaiso YMCAs. Wehner-Evans has established a presence in both facilities and now spends 16 hours a week at each one. In addition, Porter Community Care Nurse Steve Beach, RN, has worked at the Portage YMCA for a number of years. “Porter now has a partnership with all of the YMCAs in Porter County,” Wehner-Evans said.

Some of Wehner-Evan’s duties at the YMCAs include performing blood pressure, blood sugar, body mass index, cholesterol, stroke risk, bone density, and sleep apnea screenings for YMCA members and community members on a regular basis. When not conducting screenings, she holds regular office hours where individuals can come and talk with her about any health care concern. “I see my role as one of prevention rather than treatment. If I can help someone get their blood pressure down through proper diet and exercise, I know I’ve made a positive impact,” she said.

Posted 6/15/2010