STATEHOUSE (Feb. 18, 2022) – Vigo County lawmakers are looking forward to local communities tackling health challenges like diabetes and obesity through a new state grant.
In 2021, State Reps. Bob Heaton (R-Terre Haute), Alan Morrison (R-Brazil) and Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville) 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 Heaton said he hopes local providers like health departments, municipalities and nonprofit organizations apply.
"Addressing our state's health challenges continues to be a top priority, and this grant program will go a long way to help," Heaton said. "Public health is a major component to the success of any community, and this funding could help local providers target and address some of our most chronic issues."
Morrison 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.
"Investing more in preventing some of these persistent health problems can boost our overall public health, productivity and economy," Morrison said. "The pandemic really highlighted why it's critical for us to address chronic health issues, and I look forward to seeing the benefits of this bill in our local communities."
Borders 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.
"Access to health care is critically important, especially in our rural communities like ours, and I believe these grants could lead to more opportunities for Hoosiers to get care," Borders said. "I encourage local organizations to look into this opportunity and apply for funding."
For more information and to apply, Borders encourages organizations to visit in.gov/health/grant-opportunities and click on "Health Issues and Challenges Grant."
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State Rep. Bob Heaton (R-Terre Haute) represents House District 46,
which includes portions of Clay, Monroe, Owen and Vigo counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Alan Morrison (R-Brazil) represents House District 42,
which includes all of Vermillion County and portions of Clay,
Fountain, Parke, Vigo and Warren counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville) represents House District 45,
which includes all of Sullivan County and portions of
Vigo, Greene, Knox and Daviess counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
