Virtual connection makes heart health support group convenient for Whitley County women

COLUMBIA CITY, Ind. - May 4, 2026 - Surviving a heart-related event, or being diagnosed with heart disease, is a wake-up call that it's time to take care of your health. And if you are a woman, then you may be part of a growing sisterhood seeking heart-healthy lifestyle support in northeast Indiana and northwest Ohio.

That's why Parkview Heart Institute (PHI) created the Her Heart Support Network - to encourage women living with heart disease to live well and to inspire them with education and connection to other women through shared experiences.

Based at PHI in Fort Wayne, the monthly Her Heart support group serves women from across Parkview's service area. Now, however, Whitley County women don't need to drive that far to participate. Instead, they can meet closer to home, at The Whitley County Government Center, 220 W. Van Buren St., Columbia City, and connect with the Fort Wayne group virtually via Zoom.

Her Heart Support Network meetings take place every second Thursday of the month, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., in Meeting Room C on the first floor of the center. Parking is available behind the building. Attendees should enter Door 5 at the back of the building to access Meeting Room C.

The free meetings offer useful information on heart health from Parkview experts, plus group activities and social support.

Darcy Hoopingarner, FNP-BC, Whitley County community health nurse, will facilitate the meetings, managing the Zoom connection, coordinating any hands-on activities, and relaying questions from the Whitley County group to speakers during their presentations to the group in Fort Wayne. Darcy, recently diagnosed with heart disease herself, works in partnership with PHI's Her Heart Program Coordinator Jill Zahm, MSN, RN-C, AHN-BC, who plans and facilitates the Fort Wayne meetings.

Zahm is excited that this new, virtual support group option will enable more Whitley County residents to be actively involved in improving their quality of life. May is Women's Health Month, so she reminds local women that there's no time like the present to get started.

"Women who join the group can expect to be encouraged, discover new strengths in themselves, connect with other people who understand the experience of living with heart disease, and learn about valuable health information and community resources," said Zahm.

Participation in the support group is free, and no registration is needed.

MEETING TOPICS FOR THE REMAINDER OF 2026

May 14: Women's Check Up Night - Let's celebrate National Women's Health Week! Join us to learn more about preventive screenings and vaccinations. Body composition, bone density and blood pressure screenings will be available.

June 11: My Chart: Your Best Friend That You Never Met - Get to know Parkview's patient portal. MyChart can help you track your health, communicate with your providers, and so much more.

July 9: Her Heart Annual Family Gathering - Join in the summer fun and games and healthy snacks. Invite your family to get in on the fun, too!

Aug. 13: When and What to Expect When Calling 911 - Going to the emergency room is stressful. Lisa Strebig, CCEMTP (critical care paramedic), will explain when to call 911, what to expect when you call and how calling 911 can improve your survival.

Sept. 10: Heart Rhythms and Drum Circle - Feel the beat! Mary King, MBA, BS, AS, virtual care manager, will explain heart rhythms as group members imitate their heartbeats in a drum circle.

Oct. 8: Ask the Pharmacist - Back by popular demand, Kris Howard, Pharm D, will answer your pharmacy questions. Jot down questions ahead of time and bring them with you.

Nov. 12: Ask the Cardiologist - Join Dr. Sabeena Ramrakhiani for a lively discussion on the hot topics in women's heart health and get answers to your questions. Make sure to write down your questions so you don't forget.

Dec. 10: Her Heart Holiday Party - Time to celebrate! Join the group for some festivities and crafts to enrich your holiday season.

The Her Heart Program at Parkview Heart Institute is made possible by generous donations to The Parkview Health Foundation.

CURIOUS? FIND OUT MORE

Zahm can be reached with questions at [email protected] or (260) 266-6153. More information is available at https://www.parkview.com/medical-services/heart/womens-heart-health.