Community Hospital of Bremen

01/06/2026

Rarely can you prevent cancer with a vaccine — but it’s true for cervical cancer. Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes about 36,000 cases of cancer in U.S. men and women each year, including cervical cancer. By preventing this virus, we can also prevent cancer later on.

Two things make the biggest difference: getting an HPV vaccine and getting screened. Learn more about cervical cancer and how to prevent it: https://bit.ly/44lPudx

01/05/2026

Irregular periods. Unwanted hair growth. Acne. Weight changes.

These symptoms aren’t just frustrating, they could be signs of PCOS. This condition affects your hormones and can lead to fertility challenges, diabetes risk and even anxiety or depression.

Beacon Medical Group Goshen Center for Family Practice nurse practitioner Kim Acton shares what you need to know and when to seek help in this Medical Minute.

Looking for a Beacon primary care provider for you and your family? Schedule online today using the link in the first comment below.

01/04/2026

In practicing medicine, Ruth believes in meeting people where they are — balancing medical expertise with practical advice, empathy, and partnership. “Every patient is different, and sometimes the best outcomes come from thinking creatively, adapting plans, and truly partnering with patients to find what works for them,” she says.

Learn more at https://bit.ly/42w20pX

01/03/2026

Spice up your mealtime with something warm, cozy, and surprisingly healthy. This Curried Pork Tenderloin in Apple Cider is a delightful blend of sweet and savory.

This dish beautifully bridges cozy winter vibes with bright, fruity notes — ideal for when you want comfort without going overboard. Pair with a side of quinoa, roasted vegetables, or steamed greens for a balanced, nutrient-rich meal.

Full recipe details in the first comment. ⬇️

01/02/2026

When Erin Grove scheduled her first mammogram at the age of 40, she expected a routine screening. As a busy mom of four with no family history of breast cancer, she had no symptoms and no concerns.

A callback for additional imaging led to an ultrasound, then a biopsy that came back benign. But the team at Memorial Regional Breast Care Center wasn't satisfied, because what they saw on the images didn't match the results.

Surgeon Dr. Mark Thompson's advice sealed her decision: "If you were my little sister, I'd tell you to take it out just to be sure." The surgery revealed ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), stage 0, caught incredibly early.

"Mine was out before I even knew it was cancerous," Erin says.

Her Beacon cancer care team coordinated everything. Dr. Thompson connected her to radiation oncologist Dr. Samuel McGrath and medical oncologist Dr. James Jin, while nurse navigator Kathy Hawley handled appointments, answered questions and provided constant support.

After surgery, radiation and preventive medication, Erin now gets regular monitoring every six months. Her message to other women? "Don't put off your mammogram. I'm proof that early detection can make all the difference." Story link in first comment.

01/02/2026

Choosing the right surgeon makes all the difference for brain and spine surgery. You want one who uses the latest technology and techniques, including minimally invasive ones. Beacon neurosurgeons are trained in leading-edge neurosurgery so you can feel your best. Learn more about Neurosurgery at Beacon, including conditions we treat and minimally invasive procedures we perform:https://bit.ly/4pXXb26

01/01/2026

Beacon Health System welcomed its first baby of 2026 when Chozen arrived at 7:35 a.m. on New Year’s Day at Memorial Hospital of South Bend.

Megan Dawe and Stephen Malone of South Bend welcomed their healthy baby boy after 12 hours of labor. Chozen weighs 8 pounds, 4 ounces and measures 21¾ inches. Sophia Strudas is the nurse caring for mom and baby today.

For Megan, Chozen’s timing felt like destiny. “I was hoping he’d hold off until today. It was meant to be,” she said.

Chozen is Megan’s fourth child, joining siblings ages 2, 4 and 6. Stephen and his family spent New Year’s Eve suggesting names, but when Chozen made his New Year’s Day debut, the choice became clear.

“I feel Chozen fits because he was born the first baby of the year,” Megan said. “It’s so exciting. I don’t have the words.”

The new year brought more than just a special birth date for the family. At 39 weeks, Chozen is also Megan’s healthiest delivery, arriving without the complications she experienced with her other children who were born at 34, 36 and 38 weeks.

“He’s the healthiest baby I’ve had. I had complications with the others, but this time there were no issues. He’s just perfect,” she said.

His nurse, Sophia, adds, “I am so grateful that I get to be a part of this special day, welcoming another baby into this world!”

Welcome to the world, Chozen, and congratulations to parents Megan and Stephen!

01/01/2026

A brand new year means a fresh chance to reset, refocus and build habits that help you feel your best. Whether you're easing out of holiday indulgences or ready to take on ambitious new goals, remember: Lasting change doesn’t happen overnight. But with the right approach, it can happen.

Want your New Year’s goals to last all year? Here’s what Beacon Medical Group family medicine physician Dr. Kathleen George recommends:

📌 Start with realistic goals
📌 Use habit stacking to make healthy choices easier
📌 Adjust your plan as life happens
📌 Celebrate the wins — big or small

Read more in the link in the first comment if you’re ready to take the first step toward better health. ⬇️

01/01/2026

For more than 20 years, a black-box warning on hormone therapy shaped how women and clinicians approached menopause treatment. With the FDA now removing that warning, many are wondering what this change means and whether hormone therapy may be more beneficial than they once believed.

Dr. Zach DuBois from Beacon Medical Group Goshen Center for Family Practice explains why the warning existed, what we’ve learned and why this shift is significant for women navigating menopause.

He also breaks down who may benefit most from hormone therapy and addresses some of the biggest misconceptions in WVPE's Healthcare Headlines.

His message to women who are hesitant? You don’t have to live with hot flashes, sleep disruption, mood changes and other common symptoms. Educate yourself, talk with your doctor and know that for many postmenopausal women, hormone therapy can be a safe and effective option. Link in first comment.

12/31/2025

When New Year’s celebrations take an unexpected turn and someone gets sick or hurt, visit a MedPoint Urgent Care near you. We treat, broken bones, sprains, food poisoning and more. Link in the first comment for wait time information. ⬇️

12/31/2025

Jeanine Smith spent her career caring for others at Beacon Health System, never imagining she'd become a heart patient herself.

When chest discomfort started in early 2020, the healthy, active medical assistant chalked it up to pandemic stress. Then one March morning, crushing chest pain changed everything. At Memorial Hospital's Emergency Care Center, Dr. Patrick Studtman's decision to order bloodwork revealed dangerously elevated troponin levels—her heart muscle was injured.

Interventional cardiologist Dr. Mayank Mittal acted fast. An advanced CT-FFR scan revealed a 99% blockage in her left circumflex artery. Within hours of arriving at the hospital, Jeanine was in the cardiac cath lab getting a life-saving stent.

Nearly five years later, she's lost 50 pounds, works out three to four times a week, and calls the gym her hobby. Every year on her heart attack anniversary, her husband Cory marks the occasion: "He always tells me congratulations, and that I'm a survivor."

Dr. Mittal's words guide her daily: "Let me take care of your heart. You live your life." Story link in first comment.

12/31/2025

The Route 12 Harley-Davidson shop and Route 12 H.O.G. Chapter are more than just groups of motorcycle enthusiasts. "It's about helping someone in need, and it's about helping ladies retain their diginity and self esteem."

Through their annual October charity ride, this passionate group of riders has raised nearly $25,000 to date to support free breast cancer screenings for patients at Three Rivers Health. These funds play a critical role in removing financial barriers to care, ensuring patients who might otherwise delay or forgo screenings can access potentially life-saving mammograms.

Last month, Three Rivers Health hosted an on-site mammography screening day made possible by these donations. Led by Kim Westfall, Manager of Cardiopulmonary, Sleep Lab, Medical Imaging and Nutritional Services, and her team, all 12 appointment slots filled quickly, reflecting both the need and the trust patients place in our hospital.

Feedback from patients highlighted appreciation for the convenience, the welcoming environment and the reassurance that their community was actively supporting their health. Rick Gould, Director of Route 12 Harley Owners Group and Route 12 Harley Davidson hopes to make next year's October ride even bigger.

“Because of the kindness and generosity of our community, donated funds are helping provide compassionate breast care and free screening mammograms for those who need them most,” Kim said. “These gifts remove financial barriers, offer peace of mind and support early detection.”

01/19/2025

Update 9:30 p.m. Sunday: All phone issues have been resolved. Thank you for your patience.

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Community Hospital of Bremen is currently experiencing phone issues. Please use 574-546-8150 to contact the Community Hospital of Bremen main switchboard at this time.

As a reminder: You have 24/7 access to view your upcoming appointments and stay connected with our healthcare team through the MyBeacon patient portal:
https://www.beaconhealthsystem.org/access-patient-portals

12/30/2024

UPDATE: 5 p.m. Monday (December 30, 2024)

All phone issues have been resolved. Thank you for your patience.

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Community Hospital of Bremen is currently experiencing outside phone issues. Please use 574.546.2211 to contact Community Hospital of Bremen at this time.

As a reminder: You have 24/7 access to view your upcoming appointments and stay connected with our healthcare team through the MyBeacon patient portal:
https://www.beaconhealthsystem.org/access-patient-portals

09/27/2023

(UPDATED 8 a.m. Thursday)

All phones and faxes are now back up and operational at Community Hospital of Bremen.

Thank you.

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(UPDATED 7 a.m. Thursday)

The main phone number at Community Hospital of Bremen is now functioning. Please use 574.546.2212 for all incoming calls. We will direct your call to the person or department you are trying to reach within the hospital.

Thank you for your patience at this time.

06/14/2023

The Amish community recently gathered for Nappanee Safety Awareness Day, and associates who care for patients at Community Hospital of Bremen provided lung health education to attendees.

This annual event focuses on many different areas of Amish life including bicycle, weather, fire and power tool safety, as well as health checks and demonstrations by area fire, police and ambulance departments.

Kim Stouder, respiratory therapy coordinator, and Kathleen Reed Clark, respiratory therapist, smiled for the camera at our booth, where posters presented helpful information and these Beacon associates gave away colorful pinwheels and fun, educational handouts.

05/10/2023

Congratulations to Kirsten Jones, RN, medical/surgical nurse at the Community Hospital of Bremen for receiving an Inspire Award this quarter!

“Kirsten is a compassionate nurse who ALWAYS connects with heart,” Sue Bettcher, RN, Executive Director of Patient Care, said. “She is not easily frazzled and always delivers exceptional care to her patients.”

Happy Nurses Week and Hospital Week to all of the teams at Community Hospital of Bremen.

05/09/2023

There’s a reason Kim Swank says Community Hospital of Bremen feels like home. The 61-year-old grew up on the Perrot (her maiden name) family farm where the hospital stands today.

“My dad farmed 300 acres. He grew corn and soybeans and raised cattle. It looked good all the time – the yard was always mowed and stones had to be in the driveway not in the grass. The German shepherds would run after my dad when he walked back to the shed,” Swank recalls. “I used to play in the barnyard and in the haymow. I took care of my 4-H cows and many kittens and cats. I remember my bedroom faced the south and I would watch the trains just like you can now from the hospital.”

After recently retiring after four decades with a retail pharmacy company, Swank knew exactly what she wanted to do and where she wanted to be. She started volunteering in the Community Hospital of Bremen Gift Shop in April, which is also National Volunteer Month.

Beacon Health celebrated its more than 400 volunteers who range in age from 16 to their late 80s and who collectively donated tens of thousands of hours last year to assisting our patients, visitors and hospital teams. The most active volunteer at Memorial Hospital of South Bend put in 605 hours, or more than 15 weeks, of service during the 2022 calendar year.

“I’ve always wanted to give back to the community. I was raised in Bremen and have never wanted to leave because I feel happy,” Swank says. “I like our little gift shop and I’m a people person. There are so many great people who take pride in their work at the hospital. It has turned into a great place for our community.”

For more information about volunteering at one of our Beacon hospitals: https://www.beaconhealthsystem.org/volunteer-at-beacon-health-system/

05/09/2023

Joyce Reed is Community Hospital of Bremen’s Associate of the Year. As an executive assistant at the hospital, her colleagues say she is always ready to pitch in and go the extra mile, embracing Beacon’s mission of connecting with heart.

04/19/2023

The private birth suites at Community Hospital of Bremen allow our new moms to receive labor, delivery, recovery and postpartum care in the same room from the time she arrives to when it’s time to go home. This contrasts with traditional maternity care when expectant moms might be transferred from room to room.

“As the healthcare landscape changes in Marshall County, we want expectant moms to know our Obstetrics unit is designed to make moms feel as comfortable as possible, providing comfort and privacy to ensure the entire family has the very best experience close to home,” says Sue Bettcher, RN and executive director of Patient Care Services, Community Hospital of Bremen.

In addition to our labor, delivery, recovery and post-partum suites, the Bremen Obstetrics unit offers free prenatal classes and car seat checks as well as accommodations for the father, partner or support person to stay with mom before and after delivery. The hospital also encourages immediate skin-to-skin contact to promote bonding, 24/7 rooming in for mom and baby, lactation consultants on staff, in-house baby photography, and homestyle meals delivered to the room.

When a baby is born prematurely or requires critical care after delivery, our team at Beacon Children’s Hospital Level III NICU is ready to provide advanced care. Our internationally recognized Beacon Children’s NICU, which serves as a referral center for North Central Indiana and parts of Southwestern Michigan, has a team of doctors and nurses trained in a full range of pediatric subspecialties.

Personal tours of our Community Hospital of Bremen birthing suites are available by calling 574-546-8148. More information about our OB can be found here: https://beacon.health/3MWWkhQ

“Bringing a new baby into the world is one of the greatest joys in life and one of our happiest memories,” Bettcher says. “Your experience in our hospital, and at Beacon Health, matters to us.”

12/22/2022

Weather-related closings at Beacon Health System will be listed on our website. Click on the red Weather Alerts & Closings bar at the top of the page or visit the Alerts page for more information:

Alerts Beacon Home Care Pharmacy Beacon Home Care Pharmacy: Closed Friday, Dec. 23, and Monday, Dec. 26; reopening on Tuesday, Dec. 27. Beacon Urgent Care Locations (holiday hours and closures) Friday, Dec. 23: IMED Walk-In Clinic, Three Rivers: Closed Friday, Dec. 23. Saturday, Dec. 24:...

12/05/2022

Monday, Dec. 5: The Beacon Medical Group Bremen-North office is currently experiencing phone system issues. Patients may call 574.784.8244 to reach the office for Dr. Martinez and Dr. Brown.

11/29/2022

This , give local. Support children and families hospitalized during the holiday season at our region’s only children’s hospital. Every gift, in any amount, makes an impact.

For other giving opportunities, please visit https://beacon.health/3Vk2yti

10/06/2022

The main entrance of Community Hospital of Bremen will reopen for patients and visitors on Monday, October 10. Please note that masks continue to be required in the hospital.