STATEHOUSE (June 9, 2021) – Legislation establishing a state health improvement plan and a $50 million grant program targeting Hoosiers' most critical health challenges is now law, according to Bartholomew County lawmakers.
Under the new law, the Indiana Department of Health and the Family and Social Services Administration will prepare a plan on how to best improve the physical and behavioral health of Hoosiers. State Rep. Sean Eberhart (R-Shelbyville) said the grant program will help improve Indiana's declining public health by allocating $50 million over two years to initiatives addressing health disparities.
"We must address the overall health of our state if we want to continue moving forward," Eberhart said. "This new program will help address some of the common issues like addiction and diabetes, which affect so many Hoosiers."
State Rep. Ryan Lauer (R-Columbus) said the grant program will give preference to proposals focused on improving chronic health problems such as diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular diseases. Grants could be used for both new and existing programs and initiatives.
"This new law will help organizations and efforts that are focused on finding solutions to some of the most pressing health issues our communities encounter," Lauer said. "These grants will provide additional support and tools as we continue to work toward improving the quality of life for all."
State Rep. Jim Lucas (R-Seymour) said the grant program will be modeled after Indiana's successful Safety PIN program, which helped lower the state's infant mortality rate through providing funding to local health organizations. After the Safety PIN program was implemented, Indiana reached a record-low infant mortality rate last year for the first time in our state's history.
"Our Safety PIN program has shown that local programs can lead to statewide improvements," Lucas said. "This new initiative will help us target our efforts and address the major health disparities challenging Hoosiers across the state."
House Enrolled Act 1007 takes effect July 1. For more information about this new law, visit iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Sean Eberhart (R-Shelbyville) represents House District 57,
which includes Shelby County and portions of Bartholomew and Hancock counties.
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State Rep. Ryan Lauer (R-Columbus) represents House District 59,
which includes portions of Bartholomew County.
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State Rep. Jim Lucas (R-Seymour) represents House District 69,
which includes portions of Bartholomew, Jackson, Jennings and Jefferson counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
