But First, Health First Indiana

But First, Health First Indiana

Health First Indiana is an initiative created by Senate Enrolled Act 4, legislation passed by the 2023 Indiana General Assembly that will transform Indiana’s public health infrastructure. The legislation provides funding so local health departments (LHDs) can determine the health needs of their community and implement evidence-based programs focused on prevention. Health First Indiana establishes a public health infrastructure through a state and local partnership where services are delivered at the county level. Counties decide whether to opt-in to the new funding to provide and/or expand upon the core public health services, including trauma and injury prevention, chronic disease prevention, maternal and child health, and more.

Avenues for Advocacy at the Local Level

Avenues for Advocacy at the Local Level

While there is no handbook to immediately redress the 400 years of oppression influencing the health of our communities as a whole and communities of color specifically, this [collaborative] model provides an avenue for public health advocacy for health departments of any size to change systems to protect the health and improve the lives of all of its residents.

Indiana’s Trailblazing Governor’s Public Health Commission

Indiana’s Trailblazing Governor’s Public Health Commission

Indiana’s public health system has long been underfunded and under-resourced, leading to poor health outcomes for our communities. Governor Eric J. Holcomb established the trailblazing Governor’s Public Health Commission to launch an assessment of the state’s public health system, and this legislative session, we hope to see a much-needed financial investment to improve statewide public health service delivery and create a healthier future for all Hoosiers.