STATEHOUSE (May 21, 2021) – Legislation establishing a state health improvement plan and a $50 million grant program targeting Hoosiers' most critical health challenges is now law, according to local legislators.
Under the new law, the Indiana Department of Health and the Family and Social Services Administration will prepare a plan on how to best improve the physical and behavioral health of Hoosiers. State Rep. Dale DeVon (R-Granger) said the grant program will help improve Indiana's declining public health by allocating $50 million over two years to initiatives addressing health disparities.
"Poor health is costly," DeVon said. "On top of additional medical expenses, being unhealthy can rob you of valuable experiences and time," DeVon said. "This is a strong investment by the state as we target our critical health disparities and improve our overall quality of life."
State Rep. Jake Teshka (R-South Bend) said the grant program will give preference to proposals focused on improving chronic health problems such as diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular diseases. Grants could be used for both new and existing programs and initiatives.
"Indiana continues to fall behind in health metrics, and we must act now to ensure a brighter future for all Hoosiers," Teshka said. "With this program, we can strategically address some of our biggest health challenges and the particular needs of our communities."
State Rep. Tim Wesco (R-Osceola) said the grant program will be modeled after Indiana's successful Safety PIN program, which helped 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.
"Education and access to resources are key factors in addressing complex and wide-spread health issues," Wesco said. "These grants will support proven programs that give Hoosiers new tools in their journey to be healthy."
House Enrolled Act 1007 will take effect July 1.
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State Rep. Dale DeVon (R-Granger) represents House District 5, which includes portions of St. Joseph County.
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State Rep. Jake Teshka (R-South Bend) represents House District 7, which includes the majority of St. Joseph County.
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State Rep. Tim Wesco (R-Osceola) represents House District 21, which includes portions of Elkhart and St. Joseph counties.
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