STATEHOUSE (Feb. 2, 2021) – The House Public Health Committee on Monday voted unanimously in support of legislation co-authored by State Rep. Brad Barrett (R-Richmond) that would establish a new public health grant program.
Barrett said the program would fund initiatives aimed at addressing the most challenging health issues in Indiana. According to the United Health Foundation's 2020 American Health Ranking, Indiana falls at the bottom of several categories, including smoking rates, obesity rates, physical inactivity and multiple chronic conditions.
"Our public health is suffering and it is important we invest in the wellbeing of Hoosiers," said Barrett, chair of the House Public Health Committee. "This program will provide new tools to fight some of the most critical health issues we are facing, and help Indiana turn our public health around and improve the quality of life for those all around the state."
According to Barrett, the grant program is based on the state's successful Safety PIN program, which provides funding to local health organizations to lower Indiana's infant mortality rate. He said through Safety PIN and other targeted programs, Indiana reached a record-low infant mortality rate last year for the first time in our state's history.
The Indiana Department of Health would administer the new grant program, giving preference to proposals seeking to focus on chronic health problems such as diabetes, obesity and heart disease. Grants could be used for both new and existing programs and initiatives.
House Bill 1007 now moves to the House Ways and Means Committee for further consideration. To learn more about House Bill 1007 and watch legislative proceedings online, visit iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Brad Barrett (R-Richmond) represents House District 56,
which includes portions of Wayne County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
