Gov. Holcomb Unveils Overwhelming County Participation in Health First Indiana

86 of 92 counties opted in to receive new state funding to improve core public health services.

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INDIANAPOLIS – Governor Eric Holcomb today announced 86 of Indiana’s 92 counties have opted-in to receive historic funding to improve the health of Hoosiers.

The overwhelming participation in the initiative known as Health First Indiana, which was made possible by passage of SEA 4 and HEA 1001, means most Hoosiers will be guaranteed access to core public health services that will help address issues such as childhood lead poisoning, heart disease, tobacco cessation, obesity, and maternal and infant mortality.

Participating counties can determine the health needs of their communities and implement evidence-based programs based on prevention.

The initiative will operate through local partnerships between public health, healthcare, nonprofits, and other entities.  

Under the new legislation, $75 million will be distributed to counties that opted-in beginning January 1, 2024. Another $150 million will be allocated in 2025. In the past, all 92 Indiana counties shared a pot of $6.9 million in public health funding annually from the state.

Counties that did not opt-in to the enhanced funding will have the opportunity to do so in 2025.

Locally, Dearborn, Franklin, Ohio, Ripley and Switzerland counties have opted-in to the initiative. Funding amounts for each county are listed below.

*Opt Out figures are Legacy amount from Local Health Maintenance Fund/Trust.

“From the beginning of the public health commission, we were committed not just to identifying problems, but to solving Indiana’s pressing health problems in a way that meets the unique needs of Hoosiers, regardless of where they live,” Gov. Holcomb said. ”Communities across the state are recognizing this 1500% increased state investment as a game-changer for Hoosiers not just today, but for generations to come.”

State Health Commissioner Lindsay Weaver, M.D., FACEP, is actively traveling the state to discuss the implementation of Health First Indiana and believes counties are embracing the opportunity to focus on preventing diseases and working with partners to improve the well-being of their communities.

“In every community I visit, I hear about exciting new partnerships and programs that are breaking down silos and bringing public health, nonprofits, community groups and health care together to deliver local solutions to improve Hoosiers’ health,” Weaver said.

To see a map of participating counties, their funding amounts, a list of core public health services and learn more about Health First Indiana, visit www.healthfirstindiana.com.