2023 was a historic year in public health for Hoosiers, but there’s still work to do.

ISMA members are invited to attend Public Health Day at the Indiana Statehouse on Feb. 22, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

All but six of Indiana’s 92 counties applied for their share of a $225 million investment in public health infrastructure championed by Gov. Eric Holcomb during the 2023 legislative session. The $225 million represents an increase from the $7 million per year the state had been allocating to local health departments. 

The funding seeks to tackle Indiana’s chronically poor health rankings at the local level, providing counties with data on their health issues and giving health departments resources to address their most pressing local needs, in partnership with local elected officials, hospitals, clinics and schools. 

Additionally, Senate Enrolled Act 4 (2023) provides the Indiana Department of Health’s Health First Indiana funding starting in 2024 so counties can determine the health needs of their communities and implement evidence-based programs focused on prevention.

To show support for improving public health, attendees are asked to wear blue and gold to the event.