STATEHOUSE (March 1, 2022) – State Reps. Don Lehe (R-Brookston) and Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo) are looking forward to local communities tackling health challenges like diabetes and obesity through a new state grant they helped create.
In 2021, Lehe and VanNatter supported legislation establishing 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 Lehe hopes local providers like health departments, municipalities and nonprofit organizations apply.
"Local communities can best determine their immediate needs to help residents get healthy and we hope they use this grant opportunity to make a difference," Lehe said.
VanNatter 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.
"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. Don Lehe (R-Brookston) represents House District 25, which
includes portions of Carroll, Cass, Clinton, Tippecanoe and White counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo) represents House District 38, which includes
portions of Carroll, Cass, Howard and Clinton counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
