Porter Health System Appoints Director of Community Relations

Porter Health System is pleased to announce the recent appointment of Laurie Wehner-Evans RN, MSN, to the position of Director of Community Relations. Wehner-Evans 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,” said Wehner-Evans. “This position allows me to be more visible in the community developing partnerships and providing healthcare education.” Laurie-Wehner-Evans

A large part of her new role is working 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. “Porter now has a partnership with all of the YMCAs in Porter County,” explained Wehner-Evans. “Steve Beach, RN, a Porter Community Care Nurse, has been at the Portage YMCA for several years, and it has been a very successful relationship.”

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, Wehner-Evans has regular office hours where individuals can come and talk with her about any healthcare 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,” Wehner-Evans shared.