Saint Joseph Health System

07/30/2026

The comfort of a stuffed animal can make a difficult day a little brighter for a child.

Thank you to The Eva Martin Project for their generous donation of stuffed animals to support pediatric patients at Saint Joseph Health System. The organization's mission is to ensure children and families facing some of life's most difficult moments do not feel alone, and these special gifts help bring comfort, reassurance and smiles when they are needed most.

We are grateful for community partners like The Eva Martin Project whose compassion helps make a difference in the lives of the patients and families we serve every day.

07/28/2026

07/27/2026

Congratulations to the Saint Joseph Health System Rehab Colleague of the Month, Karen Magana, SLP. Karen is a speech-language pathologist in the Pediatric Therapy Department and was nominated by a patient's family for the exceptional care and support she provides.

The family shared that they had been searching for a Spanish-speaking therapist to provide speech therapy services for their child due to a lack of available resources in the area. As a bilingual clinician, Karen fills a critical need for families in our community.

The family explained, “she is a very valuable resource to the Spanish-speaking community, as she is the only Spanish-speaking therapist in the Michiana area.”

Karen's dedication and expertise have helped expand access to speech therapy services for Spanish-speaking families and strengthened our ability to meet the diverse needs of the patients we serve. Her compassionate approach and commitment to excellent care make a meaningful difference every day.

Congratulate Karen in the comments!

07/23/2026

Fireworks are frequently part of summer celebrations. However, just because many are legal doesn’t mean they’re safe. Learn how to handle fireworks safely from family nurse practitioner Elizabeth Alexis Russell, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC: https://bit.ly/4wHseSQ

07/14/2026

Struggling with summer allergies? Here's a comprehensive guide from otolaryngologist and head and neck surgeon Paul Judge, MD, that can help you find relief at home and recognize when it’s time to see a specialist. Get the guide here: https://bit.ly/4h4NoFY

07/07/2026

If you receive medical services in Saint Joseph, Elkhart or Marshall Counties, your voice matters. Saint Joseph Health System and community partners are conducting a community health needs assessment to better understand what our region needs to thrive.

Take a few minutes to complete the survey by August 15. Your feedback will help guide programs, services and resources that improve healthcare across our communities.

-Open to adults 18 and older
-Participants can opt in for a chance to win prizes
-Every response helps paint a clearer picture of local health needs

Take the survey today: https://bit.ly/3QXCd7g

Together, we can build a healthier future for everyone.

07/05/2026

After 45 years of dedicated service, we are proud to celebrate the retirement of Gayle Richmond Patrick, a certified sterile processing technician whose impact on our organization and patients will be felt for years to come.

Gayle’s career spans nearly half a century—a time marked by tremendous change across healthcare. From evolving standards and new technologies to shifting protocols, she witnessed and adapted to it all. Through every transition, Gayle remained a constant: showing up each day with grit, heart and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Behind every successful surgical procedure is a sterile processing team ensuring instruments are safe, sterile and ready for use. Gayle embraced that responsibility with precision and pride. Her work helped make countless life-saving and life-changing procedures possible, reinforcing the essential role sterile processing plays as the behind-the-scenes heartbeat of surgical care.

Help us thank Gayle for her incredible commitment and dedication to patient care in the comments!

07/04/2026

Wishing everyone a safe and happy Fourth of July. A special thank you to our caregivers and other first responders who are working during this holiday to care for our communities. Happy Independence Day!

Every person matters. Every story matters. Every voice matters.

07/03/2026

Saint Joseph Medical Group is proud to recognize Rachel Krzyzewski, athletic trainer coordinator with the Sports Medicine Institute, as their colleague of the month.

Rachel was nominated by David Johnson, DO, who highlighted her exceptional commitment to both patients and colleagues. She is described as an incredibly valuable member of the Sports Medicine team who consistently goes above and beyond in her role.

Rachel brings a positive attitude to work each day that energizes those around her. Her kindness and compassion have made a lasting impression on patients, who frequently share how much they appreciate her care and attentiveness.

Congratulate Rachel in the comments.

07/02/2026

After experiencing gradual hearing loss and the isolation that can come with it, Joan Aldrich became the first patient at Saint Joseph Health System to receive a cochlear implant.

The result? Renewed independence, clearer communication and a stronger connection to the world around her. For audiologist Heidi Schmeltzer, AuD, this milestone is about helping patients like Joan live a richer life.

Could a cochlear implant make a difference for you or someone you love? Watch to learn more.