State Reps. Don Lehe (R-Brookston) and Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo) said four agencies serving Clinton County recently received a funding boost through a new state grant program aimed at tackling public health challenges.
Lehe and VanNatter, supporters the law establishing the Health Issues and Challenges Grant, said Indiana recently released more than $35 million in grant funding to local and statewide service providers and health organizations. The program’s goal is to help improve health outcomes related to tobacco use, food insecurity/obesity, lead exposure, hepatitis C, chronic disease, and disease prevention programs, including community paramedicine and community health workers.
“Tackling our most pressing health challenges is a top priority,” said Lehe, a member of the House Public Health Committee. “These grants will provide additional support for local providers and health organizations that are working to improve health outcomes.”
Recipients serving Clinton County communities and their respective programs that received grant funding include:
• Clinton County Health Department, programs for elevated blood lead levels;
• Highland Heights Foundation, programs for food insecurity and obesity;
• Goodwill of Central and Southern Indiana, programs for community health workers; and
• Learning Network of Clinton County, programs for community health workers.
“Many Hoosiers are struggling with chronic health conditions, which can negatively impact so many aspects of their lives,” VanNatter said. “These grants can help improve the overall quality of life for individuals, their families and communities.”
Statewide organizations that serve local communities also received grants, including the National Kidney Foundation of Indiana, the Indiana Rural Health Association, the Health Foundation of Greater Indianapolis, Health By Design and the Indiana Breastfeeding Coalition.
According to the Indiana Department of Health, which oversees the program,grant funds must be spent by Dec. 31, 2026, and additional funding will be offered in a subsequent round.
To learn more, visit in.gov/health/grant-opportunities and click on “Health Issues and Challenges Grant.”