Independence Health System Hosts Cardiovascular and Lung Screenings and Education at Speaking from the Heart Event

GREENSBURG, Pa, September 18, 2025 … Independence Health System today announced a community education and care event, Speaking from the Heart: Advances in Cardiovascular and Lung Care, funded by the RK Mellon Family Foundation. The event will take place Sept. 25, 2025, at Westmoreland Mall and includes health screenings and educational sessions presented by Independence Health System providers to educate community members about the latest information in heart, lung, and vascular care. The program will conclude with a one-on-one pointed discussion between Dr. Nevin Baker and his patient, who recently had a critical heart event. The session will include the entire care team — from EMS and emergency department staff to ICU nursing and cardiac rehab — highlighting the power of the collaborative care of a health team. 

The following screenings will be offered at 10 a.m.: blood pressure, total cholesterol, sleep apnea, pulmonary function, lung cancer and abdominal aneurysm carotid artery. 

Educational presentations about cardiovascular and lung care include the following:

• Welcome and Introductions by James Adisey, MD (11 am)
• Heart of the Matter — Managing Your Heart Failure by Leanne Woiewodski, MD (11:15 a.m.)
• Spine Fracture Repair: A Minimally Invasive Revolution by Michael Akinyemi, MD (11:45 am)
• Lung Nodule & Lung Cancer Management by Michel Szwerc, MD (12:15 pm)
• Afib — Detect and Protect by Raveen Bazaz, MD (12:45 pm)
• What Is Vascular Surgery? by Casey Yossa, MD (1:15 pm)
• What Is Open Heart Surgery? by Mitsugu Ogawa, MD (1:45 pm)
• Sleep Disorders 101 by Sanjeev Jethmalani, MD (2:15 pm)
• Independence Health System the Heart of Health Care in Westmoreland County by Nevin Baker, DO (2:45 pm) — This session will feature a special discussion with a recent patient who endured, was treated for, and recovered from a critical heart event, showing the power of a healthcare team.

“The goal of Independence Health System is to provide accessible, high-quality care to the neighborhoods of western Pennsylvania. With this event, we’re reaching out into the community to proactively provide care and support in a comfortable, familiar environment,” said James Adisey, MD. “The physicians leading the educational presentations are the same ones who care for you when you come to Independence Health System. They’re the neighbors who live here, work here and care for our community with advanced expertise. We hope anyone who wants to learn more about taking care of their cardiovascular and lung health will join us.” 

The event is free and open to the public and will include complimentary refreshments. Event information is below:

Speaking from the Heart: Advances in Cardiovascular and Lung Care

Thursday, September 25, 205

Westmoreland Mall — Center Court

10 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

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Nationally recognized for quality care, Independence Health System comprises Butler Memorial, Clarion, Frick, Latrobe and Westmoreland Hospitals with a combined bed count of 925. With more than 1,000 physicians and advanced practice providers and nearly 7,000 employees, the System is the third largest in western Pennsylvania serving a population base of 750,000 in a footprint spanning more than 10 counties. 

The System includes tertiary programs rated among America’s best for cardiac care and surgery, earning accolades from a number of prestigious outlets and organizations. Locally owned and locally controlled, Independence Health System offers its patients low-cost, high-quality care across the care spectrum in such specialties as cardiology, cardiovascular and thoracic surgery, orthopedics and sports medicine, minimally invasive and robotic surgery, women’s health and obstetrics, emergency medicine, behavioral health and primary care. Its network of outpatient centers sees more than 1.2 million visits annually. The homecare division further supports patients at all stages of life with home health and hospice services. Learn more at www.independence.health