STATEHOUSE (March 1, 2021) – State Rep. Matt Lehman (R-Berne) recently voted in support of legislation that would establish a new $50 million grant program targeting the state's most critical health challenges.
According to the United Health Foundation, Indiana falls at the bottom of several health ranking, including 43rd for physical activity, 41st for smoking rates and 40th for obesity rates.
"Our health not only impacts our quality of life, but also our pocketbooks in terms of medical bills, needed sick days and diminished productivity," Lehman said. "With communities facing different challenges, this program offers flexibility so we can target our specific needs, whether that be supporting programs to increase physical activity, promote healthier eating or manage diabetes. This is an investment in Hoosiers and our state."
Lehman said the grant program would be administered by the Indiana Department of Health and be modeled after Indiana's successful Safety PIN program, which helps to lower the state's infant mortality rate by providing funding to local health organizations. Grants could be used for both new and existing programs and initiatives, and proposals focusing on chronic health problems such as diabetes, obesity and heart disease would be given preference.
After receiving overwhelming bipartisan support in the House of Representatives, House Bill 1007 now moves to the Indiana Senate 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. Matt Lehman (R-Berne) represents House District 79,
which includes all of Adams County and portions of Allen and Wells counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
