Gus Galante, M.D., a Franciscan Healthcare-Munster board-certified plastic surgeon, who also has offices in Schererville and Valparaiso, recently donated $1,300 to be used to pay for mammograms for clients of St. Clare Health Clinic in Crown Point, in observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. The clinic at 1121 S. Indiana Ave. since 1996 has served underprivileged residents of six area counties.
“I was looking for a clinic that provides services to those who cannot afford medical care and St. Clare was a good fit,” Galante said, adding, “I believe businesses have a social responsibility to give back to the community and in doing so, hopefully will inspire other businesses and individuals to do the same. If everyone did a little to help, it would make a huge difference.”
Galante, who has been in practice 21 years, said he tries to “spread the love” by helping out Franciscan Alliance facilities and through other charitable programs his offices provide. The St. Clare donation, which helped more than a dozen patients, included a portion of the proceeds Galante received from each breast-related procedure he performed in October.
Shown accepting the donation are (from left), Colleen Lustina, nurse practitioner; Julie Mallers, nurse practitioner and clinic manager; and Dorothea Doolin, nurse practitioner. St. Clare, which is under the auspices of Franciscan St. Anthony Health-Crown Point, provides free primary health care and other services for area residents who fall within established income guidelines, are uninsured and are not eligible for government assistance. Donations for its food pantry and other services may be brought to the clinic between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
The clinic’s Prenatal Assistance Program is in need of diapers, formula, baby items and new or gently used clothing, sizes newborn through 3T. For more information, call (219) 663-2160, ext. 263.