In 1974, Edgewater Health began providing mental health and addiction services to residents in Gary, Indiana. For 51 years, the organization has evolved into northwest Indiana’s full-service partner for culturally competent, high-quality primary care and behavioral health services across 10 locations.
On Saturday, June 7, 2025, Edgewater Health will host a gala themed The Art of Healing. The event will take place at Hard Rock Casino of Northern Indiana, and will feature student artwork from around Lake County in response to Edgewater’s call to action empowering youth to Reach Out, Speak Up, and Shatter the Silence and have an impact on mental health stigma.
“Healing through creativity is well documented,” said Dr. Danita Johnson Woods, CEO, of Edgewater Health. “The power of the visual arts, music, dance, poetry to catalyze physical and emotional wellbeing should be celebrated. The Art of Healing is about the transformation that is possible through art, literally, but it also speaks to the way we deliver services to Edgewater Health patients. It’s our approach to healing, the special connections and culturally sensitive care, that underpin 51 years of healthcare excellence in this community.”
Rep. Frank J. Mrvan, D-01, will be honored on June 7th with a Leadership Award. “Congressman Mrvan is being recognized for his commitment to issues around affordable healthcare, expanding education, and veterans’ affairs. Additionally, his stellar 15-year record and reputation as North Township Trustee providing leadership and service to our most vulnerable residents, and his unflinching support for initiatives related to mental health,” shared Woods, “is so worthy of recognition.”
Lake County Prosecutor Bernard A. Carter will be honored for his longstanding service to the community with the Humanitarian Award. “We are so pleased to shine a spotlight on Bernard Carter’s humanitarian efforts and the longevity of his servant leadership,” Woods said. “His tireless work to promote gun safety, to advocate for youth through his leadership of My Brother’s Keeper Lake County, and the countless other causes he has championed just scratch the surface of his record of giving back and lifting up those in need.”
Other notables receiving recognition include retired pediatrician Steve Simpson, MD, founder of the Gary Literacy Coalition, and a backbone lead of My Brother’s Keeper Lake County, IN. Dr. Simpson will be draped with the Circle of Excellence medallion by Roosevelt Haywood III, President/CEO, Haywood and Fleming Associates, during a VIP reception. Haywood was the inaugural recipient of the award at Edgewater Health’s 50th anniversary celebration in 2025.
“The Circle of Excellence“ award was established by Edgewater Health to salute individuals demonstrating the highest caliber of community engagement. This honor celebrates excellence, longevity, respect, compassion, and a commitment to our mission. Roosevelt Haywood and Dr. Simpson are giants – not just locally; their impact extends far beyond northwest Indiana. We are so proud to inspire future generations by highlighting these men as examples of what is possible through hard work, character, and determination,” said Dr. Sharon Johnson Shirley, Superintendent, Lake Ridge Schools, and Board Chair for Edgewater Health.
Ellen Szarleta, JD, PhD, and Director of the Center for Urban Regional Excellence at Indiana University Northwest will take the stage, along with Chineze Odeluga, a nursing student at Ivy Tech, to accept the Dr. Okechi N. Nwabara Spirit of Hope Award. Dr. Nwabara, former Chief Medical Officer at Edgewater, passed away in 2021 from complications of COVID-19. He was a beloved physician and humanitarian with a thriving private practice and footprint in the region for decades. “Dr. Nwabara’s legacy lives on through this honor. He is responsible for introducing primary care into the Edgewater Health portfolio, and since that time we have been leading the way with integrated behavioral health and primary care patient services,” Woods stated.
“Ms. Odeluga’s ambition and determination to overcome daunting challenges, exemplified the kind of individuals Dr. Nwabara routinely went out of his way to support,” shared Dr. Karen Bishop Morris, Chief Development and Communications Officer for Edgewater. “Dr. Szarleta moves through the world in similar fashion to Dr. Nwabara. If you consider some of the transformative initiatives in NWI related to economic analysis, community development, seniors, food insecurity – Ellen and CURE are smack dab in the middle,” Morris said. “Ellen’s quiet strength is her superpower. She is so deserving,” commented Woods.
For more information on ways to get involved in The Art of Healing visit edgewaterhealth.org, or send an inquiry to [email protected].