Governor Holcomb recently announced that all counties in the state will benefit from a $150 million allocation in the coming year to bolster public health services.
This funding, slated for 2025, forms the second phase of the Health First Indiana Initiative (HFI), marking a significant commitment following legislation passed in 2023.
During fiscal year 2024, 86 counties, which encompass 96% of Indiana’s population, opted into the initial $75 million disbursement. Approximately 78% of these funds were directed towards preventive- and outcome-driven initiatives. A core tenet of HFI empowers local health departments to determine the allocation of these resources.
For the upcoming year, Crawford, Fountain, Harrison, Johnson, Wells and Whitley Counties have also now chosen to participate after abstaining in 2024.
State Health Commissioner Dr. Lindsay Weaver highlighted the proactive efforts of local health departments in forging new partnerships and programs to enrich public health services. She noted, “I continue to be impressed by the level of engagement from Hoosier communities, including businesses and hospitals that have pledged their support.”
The Indiana Chamber of Commerce and its Wellness Council of Indiana are urging businesses and organizations to engage with their local health departments as a statewide push begins to make Hoosiers healthier via the Health First Indiana Pledge Act. Employers can find additional information at www.indianachamber.com/healthfirst, while further details on the overall initiative are available at www.healthfirstindiana.in.gov.
Looking ahead, legislators will decide in the next state budget cycle whether to extend funding for HFI beyond 2025. Prior to the initiative, Indiana’s counties collectively received $6.9 million annually in related state funding.
