About Franciscan Health Crown Point

Franciscan Health Crown Point opened its doors in March 1974. In 1999, the hospital became part of the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration ministry, whose history providing healthcare in Indiana goes back much further. Founded in Germany by Mother Maria Theresia Bonzel, the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration sent six Sisters to Lafayette in 1875, where they opened their first hospital. Today, Franciscan Alliance is one of the largest Catholic healthcare systems in the Midwest with 12 hospital campuses, more than 19,000 employees and a number of nationally recognized Centers of Healthcare Excellence.

The Future of Franciscan Health Crown Point

The next leap forward in the hospital’s history happened in January 2024, when Franciscan Health Crown Point opened a new state-of-the-art hospital at the southeast corner of Interstate 65 and U.S. 231. Based upon our Franciscan Values: Respect for Life, Fidelity to our Mission, Compassionate Concern, Joyful Service and Christian Stewardship, Franciscan Health Crown Point will continue to live out its legacy of caring, commitment and service throughout Northwest Indiana.

As we continue our mission to bring the best care to ALL communities in Northwest Indiana through Centers of Excellence, I see Franciscan Health Crown Point developing into a healthcare hub for the Region. Our focus on the most recent advances in medicine and technology provide the communities surrounding the facility access to the highest levels of care. Franciscan Health will strategically partner with tertiary care centers, both on campus and through rapid transport agreements to facilitate access to the area’s best care.

Doing Business In Northwest Indiana

With regard to healthcare in Indiana, there is a significant need to lower the cost of care to employers. Franciscan Health has committed to improve our care delivery model in order to achieve this goal. As far as Franciscan Health’s contribution, we are committed to consolidating care to well-equipped, modern facilities that allow easy access for the Region and provide the technology and conveniences expected in today’s market. Better consolidation of areas of high cost allows Franciscan to provide better outcomes more efficiently. As an example, our cardiac surgery program has received the highest ratings for outcomes in all of Northern Indiana. This translates into shorter hospital stays, quicker rehabilitation and reduced supply costs. Our new Crown Point hospital features specialties such as trauma care, neonatal intensive care, cardiac surgery, and robotic surgery, that lower cost of care through improved outcomes.

We are also proud to offer the most experienced neonatal care in NWI through our clinical partnership with Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, which began in 2022.  In July 2024, we expanded our medical collaboration with Lurie Children’s by offering 24/7 Pediatric Hospitalist coverage.  Lurie Children’s specialized pediatric experts have allowed us to create a Center of Excellence for inpatient pediatric care in NWI that keeps regional families close to home at our Crown Point hospital.

Why I Joined Northwest Indiana’s Chamber of Commerce

I believe it is vital to be involved in the communities we serve and to develop a strong professional network, so we can better explain our Franciscan mission and ministry to local and regional partners. As the leader of our Northern Indiana Foundation, I am committed to building impactful relationships with these game changers to improve the lives of those we serve and our friends and neighbors.  Together, we can create transformational change for those in desperate need of hope.

About Rick Peltier

Rick grew up in the eastern suburbs of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and attended Syracuse University where he majored in Broadcast Journalism.  He enjoyed a ten-year career in sports broadcasting, which allowed him to which allowed him to cover the Pittsburgh Steelers; Indianapolis Colts; live NASCAR races including two Daytona 500s and the Brickyard 400; Indianapolis 500; and Indiana Hoosiers, Kentucky Wildcats, Purdue Boilermakers and Notre Dame Fighting Irish college football and basketball, including the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.  Rick left television sports broadcasting in 2009 and entered the healthcare industry.  After two years in hospital public relations, he discovered a passion for philanthropy and helping the most vulnerable patient populations.  Rick currently serves as the Executive Director of the Franciscan Health Foundation Northern Indiana Division and is a proud member of the Crossroads Chamber Board of Directors.

 

About The Franciscan Health Foundation

The Franciscan Health Foundation exists to support the programs and services of Franciscan Alliance, Inc. The Foundation is dedicated to addressing the ever-growing healthcare needs of our communities and supporting patient needs at our not-for-profit hospitals, outpatient facilities and community-based programs throughout Indiana and South Suburban Chicago.