STATEHOUSE (March 15, 2021) – The Indiana House of Representatives passed legislation that would establish a new $50 million grant program targeting the state's most critical health challenges according to State Rep. Elizabeth Rowray (R-Yorktown).
According to the United Health Foundation, Indiana falls at the bottom of several health rankings, including being ranked as the 43rd state for physical inactivity, 41st for smoking rates and 40th for obesity rates.
"Throughout the pandemic, we have seen why it's so critically important to prioritize public health," Rowray said. "This initiative would help us address our most challenging issues, and improve the health and wellbeing of Hoosiers across Indiana."
Rowray said the grant program would be administered by the Indiana Department of Health. The proposals seeking to focus on chronic health problems such as diabetes, obesity and heart disease would be given preference. Grants could be used for both new and existing programs and initiatives.
The grant program is modeled after Indiana's successful Safety PIN program, which helps lower the state's infant mortality rate through providing funding to local health organizations. After the Safety PIN program was implemented, Indiana reached a record-low infant mortality rate last year for the first time in our state's history.
House Bill 1007 is now being considered by the Senate. To learn more about House Bill 1007 and watch legislative proceedings online, visit iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Elizabeth Rowray (R-Yorktown) represents House District 35,
which includes portions of Delaware and Madison counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
