STATEHOUSE (Oct 24, 2022) – Area lawmakers are encouraging local and statewide providers to apply for a portion of the $50 million state grant fund dedicated to helping Hoosier communities tackle health challenges like asthma and obesity.
State Rep. Ann Vermilion (R-Marion) said online applications for the Indiana Health Issues and Challenges Grant, a program established by a law she authored in 2021, are due Nov. 18.
"The health challenges facing our communities are often unique to each county and city," Vermilion said. "Fortunately, these grants can give local providers the boost they need to meet our most dire issues, such as smoking and food insecurity."
State Rep. Elizabeth Rowray (R-Yorktown) said the grant funding available to local and statewide service providers and planning organizations can be used to prevent or reduce mental and physical health issues for Hoosiers, including in the areas of tobacco use, food insecurity, obesity, lead exposure, hepatitis C, and chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, asthma and cancer.
"The pandemic really shined a light onto the most persistent health issues facing our community," Rowray said. "These grants are key to helping local providers, like nonprofits and our rural clinics, tackle those challenges."
According to State Rep. J.D. Prescott (R-Union City), award notices are expected to be issued by the Indiana Department of Health beginning next year.
"Indiana's rural communities are often underserved in the areas of public health," Prescott said. "I encourage administrators to apply now to take advantage of this opportunity."
For more information about the grant and to apply online before the Nov. 18 deadline, visit in.gov/health/grant-opportunities and click on "Health Issues and Challenges Grant."
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State Rep. Ann Vermilion (R-Marion) represents House District 31,
which includes all of Blackford County and portions of Delaware, Grant and Wells counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Elizabeth Rowray (R-Yorktown) represents House District 35,
which includes portions of Delaware and Madison counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. J.D. Prescott (R-Union City) represents House District 33,
which includes Jay and Randolph counties, and a portion of Delaware County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
