The Indiana House of Representatives has voted in support of legislation co-authored by State Rep. Donna Schaibley (R-Carmel) that would establish a new $50 million grant program targeting the state’s most critical health challenges.
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.
Schaibley
“Indiana’s struggles with chronic health issues have resulted in increased medical care costs to Hoosiers and their employers,” said Schaibley, a member of the House Public Health Committee. “This past year has shown we need to make investments to address these health disparities and get Hoosiers on the right track.”
Schaibley 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 state history.
House Bill 1007 now moves to the Senate for further consideration. To learn more about House Bill 1007 and watch legislative proceedings online, visit iga.in.gov.