STATEHOUSE (Feb. 22, 2022) – Morgan County legislators are looking forward to local communities tackling health challenges like diabetes and obesity through a new state grant.
In 2021, State Reps. Peggy Mayfield (R-Martinsville), Beau Baird (R-Greencastle) and John Young (R-Franklin) 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 Mayfield said she hopes local providers like health departments, municipalities and nonprofit organizations apply.
"Chronic health conditions continue to be a problem for many parts of the state, which is why establishing this grant program was so important," Mayfield said. "I hope organizations on the frontlines of these issues can use this funding to improve public health."
Baird 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.
"Some of Indiana's national health rankings demonstrate the need for addressing these persistent health challenges," Baird said. "We need to be more proactive if our state is to continue being a top destination for families and businesses in the Midwest."
Young 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.
"Communities can experience varying health challenges, so it's vital for local providers to apply for these grants to help meet their needs," Young said. "The more applications submitted, the more opportunities for Hoosiers to get their health on track."
For more information and to apply, Young encourages organizations to visit in.gov/health/grant-opportunities and click on "Health Issues and Challenges Grant."
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State Rep. Peggy Mayfield (R-Martinsville) represents House District 60,
which includes portions of Morgan and Monroe counties.
Click here for a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Beau Baird (R-Greencastle) represents House District 44, which includes
all of Putnam County and portions of Clay, Morgan, Owen and Parke counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. John Young (R-Franklin) represents House District 47,
which includes portions of Johnson and Morgan counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
