Hospital participating in clinical trial for atrial fibrillation device
Community Healthcare System is participating in a clinical trial comparing the safety and efficacy of the WATCHMAN FLXTM left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) device against contemporary blood thinners. The device replaces long-term blood thinner use by closing the left atrial appendage to reduce stroke risk in patients with atrial fibrillation (A-Fib) not caused by a heart valve issue. The CHAMPION-AF Clinical Trial is studying WATCHMAN FLX as an option to replace blood thinners for patients with non-valvular A-Fib who are not able to tolerate long-term blood thinner use, but would consider a one-time, device option for stroke risk reduction. Patients who decide to participate in the study will agree, by random selection, to receive either the WATCHMAN FLX device or continue on oral anticoagulation medication to address their stroke risk. The patients will be evaluated for rates of stroke, bleeding and other adverse events over five years. Approximately 20 patients will be enrolled in clinical trial at Community Healthcare System. The clinical trial is part of the Cardiovascular Research program at Community Healthcare System. Potential patients for the CHAMPION-AF clinical trial should call 219-703-1152 to schedule an appointment. More information about cardiovascular research and heart care at the hospitals of Community Healthcare System can be found at COMHS.org/heart.
Tracy Lawrence to perform in Valparaiso
Country music star Tracy Lawrence will perform at 8:30 p.m. on July 29 at Central Park Plaza, 68 Lafayette St., Valparaiso. Doors will open at 5 p.m. General admission tickets are $35, children younger than 7 are free. VIP tables with seating for six are $100, and are available to those 21 and older. Purchase tickets at HometownJams.com.
Gary Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi
Applications are now available for the 2022 Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Academic Scholarship. Each year, the fraternity awards several $1,000 scholarships through The Henry E. Bennett Achievement Foundation to the region’s most deserving young men looking to pursue a college education. Applicants must meet the minimum requirements of: being a male graduating senior; attending a Northwest Indiana high school; and having a Cumulative 2.5 GPA or better. For more information or to request a scholarship packet: go to https://garykappas.com/programs/scholarship; send an e-mail request to garykappasscholarships@gmail.com; or contact the Guidance Department at the potential applicant’s high school. Applications must be completed and submitted no later than May 9 for consideration. More information is at https://garykappas.com/programs/scholarship/.
Society of Innovators at PNW hosts Innovate WithIN Region 6 Finals
Purdue University Northwest (PNW) and the Society of Innovators at PNW will host the Innovate WithIN Region 6 Finals during a live event from 1:30 to 5 p.m. on April 18 in Alumni Hall at the PNW Hammond campus, 2200 169th St. Innovate WithIN is the most elite pitch competition in the country for aspiring high school innovators and entrepreneurs. Student contestants have an opportunity to win $25,000 in funding, tuition and other prizes. Eleven teams were selected from more than 400 regional applicants to compete live in the Northwest Indiana Region 6 competition for a chance to win $1,000 and participation in the state finals. Region teams/finalists that will compete on April 18 include: Certikey – Conner Niemann, Andrew Navarro and Brett Herrin, Hobart High School; Clockworks of Indiana – Ethan Pinegar and Leandra Kelly, Hobart High School; Flower Power – Morgan Sanchez and Elijah Puente, Hobart High School; Outpost193 – Ethan Lucas, Valparaiso High School; Patchables – Kayla Davis and Isis Fleming, Hobart High School; Picopack – Vance Vojslavek and Patrick Rall, Valparaiso High School; PupWizz – Jacob Thometz, Emma Miles and Sierra Sweeney, Munster High School; RepelSand – Braedon Rossetti and James Dillabaugh, Valparaiso High School; SimaraJae Creations – Simara Jenkins, Michigan City High School; SupDog – Teresa Burzynski, Daniella Nahnsen and Thomas Choros, Munster High School; WRM Medical Bands – Jelena Kolundzija, Hobart High School. The region finals are open to the public. More information and free registration can be found at pnw.edu/innovate-within.
