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Our Story
2016
Healthcare Foundation of La Porte forms from sale of IU Health La Porte Hospital. Maria Fruth becomes inaugural CEO and president. The founding Board of Directors was made up of Jeff Bernel, Board Chair (2016-2020), Jane Nelson, Vice Chair, Rich Schmitt, Treasurer, Drumm Osborn, Secretary, Rory Bunce, Jim Clarke, Dan Kaminski, Kathleen Lang, Tim Larson, Jim Laughlin, and Hester Muller, MD.
2017
HFL presents its first gift to the community – the TEN2030 website. The central hub of information for La Porte County, ten2030.org houses the most up-to-date data, indicators, trends, promising practices, and more.
2017
HFL awards its first round of grants to the La Porte County community. A total of more than $2.8M is invested.
2018
In response to the recommendation from the La Porte County Opioid Study, HFL launches the Partners in Prevention (PiP) Initiative, implementing prevention programs in schools. The initiative investments, totaling more than $2.6 million, were spread over three years. Each school system selected and implemented an evidence-based curriculum. Through PiP, more than 13,000 La Porte County students are impacted.
2018
HFL establishes Partners for Healthier Babies (PHB), a collaboration between medical providers, public health agencies, nonprofit organizations, parents, and community members. The following year, the PHB Council forms, which works to make a positive impact on birth outcomes in La Porte County.
2019
HFL breaks ground at 140 East Shore Parkway for its new 12,000+ square foot headquarters and Conference & Learning Center.
2020
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, HFL awards more than $800,000 in emergency grants from March 2020 through May 2021. These grants address food insecurity; the elderly and high-risk populations; supplies to support emergency response, including protective equipment for healthcare and emergency response workers; and unrestricted funds to support operations and provide continuity for nonprofit organizations. Most grants were made between March and June of 2021.
2021
HFL’s second gift to the community is celebrated with a ribbon-cutting. The Conference & Learning Center (C&LC), part of HFL’s new home on East Shore Parkway in La Porte, offers space for nonprofits, schools, and government entities to meet, learn, retreat, and plan together, at no charge.
2021
HFL surpasses investing $30M in grants to La Porte County!
2022
Thanks to the La Porte County Health Department stepping up to coordinate and facilitate, and with full funding by HFL, the La Porte County Fetal Infant Mortality Review (FIMR) is created. The FIMR process is composed of a multidisciplinary team that meets monthly to review de-identified cases of fetal and infant deaths to identify system gaps and make recommendations to the Community Action Team (CAT), which is HFL’s Partners for Healthier Babies Council.
2023
HFL has awarded more than 250 automated external defibrillators (AEDs) through its When Seconds Count: AED Initiative to the community since 2017. In total, HFL has invested more than $600,000 in AED and CPR grants.
2023
HFL collaborates with several partners to apply for the HEARTSafe Community designation for the City of La Porte. La Porte receives the designation and is the first city in the state of Indiana to do so!
2023
HFL surpasses investing $40M in grants to La Porte County!
2023
HFL unveils its new name – Health Foundation of La Porte, to better align with its mission and vision. The new name captures our focus, emphasizing HFL’s understanding of health and the many factors which influence health.
2024
HFL’s inaugural CEO Maria Fruth retires. Eric DeWald joins HFL as its new president and CEO, bringing more than two decades of leadership experience within foundations committed to community health and well-being.
For a detailed look at HFL’s past, explore the timelines below.
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