STATEHOUSE (March 1, 2022) – Howard County legislators are looking forward to local communities tackling health challenges like diabetes and obesity through a new state grant they helped create.
In 2021, State Reps. Tony Cook (R-Cicero), Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) and Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo) supported legislation that created the Indiana Health Issues and Challenges Grants, which will award $50 million to local and statewide service providers, and planning organizations to address longstanding problems. Now, the Indiana Department of Health is accepting grant applications, and Cook said he hopes local providers like health departments, municipalities and nonprofit organizations apply.
"We know many Hoosiers are struggling with a number of health issues, from addiction to obesity," Cook said. "This grant funding can support local solutions to improve outcomes for Hoosiers and help them overcome their health challenges."
Karickhoff said funding 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.
"Indiana has many chronic health issues affecting Hoosiers, and we know these issues increase public and private health care costs," Karickhoff said. "These grant funds are designed to go toward targeted plans that would help meet the needs in local communities."
"These grants could really help improve our state's overall health," VanNatter said. "Health challenges vary from county to county, and the hope is that we can tackle issues locally and make a significant impact to help Hoosiers live happier and healthier lives."
Applications for Indiana Health Issues and Challenges Grants are due by March 31, 2022, with award notices issued by the Indiana Department of Health by July 1, 2022.
For more information and to apply, VanNatter encourages organizations to visit in.gov/health/grant-opportunities and click on "Health Issues and Challenges Grant."
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State Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero) represents House District 32, which includes all of Tipton County
and portions of Hamilton, Howard, Grant, Madison and Delaware counties.
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State Rep. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) represents House District 30, which includes
portions of Grant and Howard counties.
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State Rep. Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo) represents House District 38, which includes
portions of Carroll, Cass, Howard and Clinton counties.
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