STATEHOUSE (Feb. 21, 2022) – Lake County lawmakers 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. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) and Hal Slager (R-Schererville) supported a law creating 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 Olthoff said she hopes local providers like health departments, municipalities and nonprofit organizations apply.
"In looking at key data and indicators, it's clear that communities need more resources to tackle chronic health problems," Olthoff said. "I encourage local providers to seek out this grant funding and help put our state on a healthier track."
Olthoff, vice chair of the House Public Health Committee, 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.
"There can be a number of challenges among counties in regards to their local health needs and what chronic issues citizens face," Slager said. "With this competitive grant program, local providers can work to tackle the most pressing health issues Hoosiers are dealing with and improve outcomes for those they serve."
Slager said 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, Slager encourages organizations to visit in.gov/health/grant-opportunities and click on "Health Issues and Challenges Grant."
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State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) represents House District 19,
which includes a portion of Lake and Porter counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Hal Slager (R-Schererville) represents House District 15,
which includes portions of Lake County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
